Liverpool suffered their first defeat of the Premier League season on Saturday, losing 1-0 to Nottingham Forest at Anfield for the first time in 65 years.

After a mixed first-half performance, the Reds were outplayed throughout by Nottingham Forest. Luis Díaz came closest to opening the scoring with a shot that hit the post. Alexis Mac Allister was another standout player for Arne Slot’s side in the opening 45 minutes as the Argentina international looked to get Liverpool’s attack going.

The hosts’ frustration continued in the second half as they lacked the cutting edge. Three players were forced off after the hour mark: Darwin Núñez, Cody Gakpo and Conor Bradley. But it was a substitute who put paid to the visitors’ fate as Callum Hudson-Odoi put the visitors ahead in the 72nd minute.

Liverpool could do little to change the outcome of the game as Forest’s defence held up under pressure and their attacking performance was by far the most inconsistent of the season so far.

Positive

It’s difficult to find anything positive after such a poor performance, but Arne Slot will not have to deal with any new injury problems ahead of next week’s Champions League season opener against AC Milan.

Negatives

Even after falling behind 1-0, Liverpool seemed to have no chance of scoring a goal and their poor attacking performance will need to improve if they want to play a role in the race for the Premier League title.

Manager Rating (1-10)

Arne Slott, 5 — He seemed to have no answer on Saturday afternoon, failing to create any significant chances throughout the game. He tried to make an impact with his substitutes, but there was no solution that could crack Nottingham Forest’s impressive defence.

Player ratings (1-10; 10: best. Players substituted after 70 minutes receive no rating)

GK Alisson, 6 – The Brazilian international was unable to do anything to stop Callum Hudson-Odois’s shot, which was perfectly deflected onto the post before going in. He kept Liverpool in the game with a save from Anthony Elanga and prevented them from making it 2-0.

DF Trent Alexander-Arnold, 4 – Alexander-Arnold was unable to make as much of an impact as usual at right-back and was also unable to score when moved into midfield. He lost possession and scored the winning goal for Forest.

Defender Ibrahima Konaté, 6 – The French international showed strong heading ability and took an uncompromising approach to Nottingham Forest’s set pieces.

Defender Virgil van Dijk, 7 – He was well positioned to clear Nottingham Forest’s set pieces and also stopped a low pass that was played back across the box.

Defender Andy Robertson, 5 – The Scottish international worked hard on the left but couldn’t achieve much and was replaced by Kostas Tsimikas in the 75th minute.

MF Ryan Gravenberch, 4 – Ryan Gravenberch did not have much to do in defence, with most of Forest’s attacks coming down the flanks, and he remained quiet in the second half.

MF Alexis Mac Allister, 6 – One of Liverpool’s best players, always looking to move the ball quickly and make an impact in the final third, creating a half-chance with a well-worked pass for Diogo Jota before forcing a save from Mats Selz with a header.

MF Dominik Szoboszlai, 4 – Brought to life in moments of running through midfield in the first half and also linked well with Mohamed Salah when trying to get the ball out wide. Disappeared from the game in the second half after having his shot blocked.

FW Mohamed Salah, 4 – The Liverpool striker improved after a quiet first half and had more possession, but his usual impact was lacking, and he was wasteful and out of step with his teammates throughout.

FW Diogo Jota, 5 – Diogo Jota didn’t have much space with three defenders around him and on his only chance he couldn’t get enough power to a pass from Mac Allister. He was replaced by Darwin Nunez after an hour.

FW Luis Diaz, 6 – The Colombian international worked hard to create Liverpool’s best chance of the first half, winning the ball back and almost surprising the goalkeeper, but his effort hit the post.

Substitutes (players who are substituted after 70 minutes = no score)

FW Darwin Nunez, 4 (for Jota, 60″) – The Uruguayan international was barely able to make an impact in the 30 minutes he was on the pitch and did not threaten the defense even once.

DF Conor Bradley, 5 (for Mac Allister, 61″) – Struggled against Callum Hudson-Odoi at times. Did his best to get forward and support attacks.

FW Cody Gakpo, 4 (for Diaz, 61″) — Was slow to get into the game and was taken off the ball early by Ola Aina. Couldn’t get the ball in a dangerous position. Ineffective.

DF Kostas Tsimikas, N/R (for Robertson, 75″) – Substituted for Andy Robertson in the 75th minute. Puts Anthony Elanga under pressure and prevents a great chance.

MF Curtis Jones, N/R (for Konate, 75″) – He advanced with 15 minutes to go, but had little time to make an impression.