Munoz rescues point for Liverpool in 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest
Liverpool secured a 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest at Anfield, with Victor Munoz scoring a deflected equaliser. The result marks Andoni Iraola’s first Premier League game in charge of Liverpool at home, and his side continues to seek their first league win of the season.
The match saw Liverpool come from behind twice. Dan Ndoye opened the scoring for Forest, which was later cancelled out by Alexander Isak’s tap-in. Morgan Gibbs-White then converted a penalty for Forest after Alisson’s foul on Neco Williams, before Munoz found the net to level the score once more.
Iraola’s Frustration with Substitution Delay
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola expressed frustration regarding a delay in making substitutions during the second half. With the score at 1-1, Iraola intended to bring on Ryan Gravenberch, Kostas Tsimikas, and Rio Ngumoha. However, the fourth official’s electronic board reportedly experienced issues, causing the players to wait on the sideline.
The delay was particularly impactful as Forest took a quick throw-in during one of these stoppages, which led to the penalty that restored their lead. Iraola stated that a professional fourth official should not take three minutes for substitutions, and that he had already provided the names two or three minutes prior.
Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard acknowledged the frustration over the substitution delay, noting that with current technology, such a wait should not occur. However, he also suggested that the penalty itself was a small part of a larger issue, implying the goal could have been avoided.
Stephen Warnock, another former Liverpool player, echoed these sentiments, calling the situation with the fourth official “appalling.”
Match Highlights and Key Moments
The first half saw Nottingham Forest take the lead in the 24th minute when Ndoye finished past Alisson, following a long ball from Matz Sels and a pass from Morgan Gibbs-White. Earlier, in the 12th minute, Jeremy Jacquet blocked Igor Jesus’ attempt, and in the 19th minute, Ndoye headed wide from a James McAtee cross.
Liverpool had a goal ruled out in the 33rd minute when Florian Wirtz’s effort was disallowed after a VAR check found Jeremie Frimpong offside in the build-up. Matz Sels made a save in the 39th minute, tipping Wirtz’s header over the bar. Just before half-time, Alisson made a crucial save, pushing Igor Jesus’ shot onto the bar.
In the second half, Alexander Isak equalised for Liverpool in the 60th minute, tapping in a low cross from Cody Gakpo. Forest regained the lead in the 70th minute with Gibbs-White’s penalty, sending Alisson the wrong way after the goalkeeper fouled Neco Williams. Victor Munoz secured the draw for Liverpool in the 82nd minute, with his shot deflecting off Murillo and going in off the underside of the bar, assisted by Wirtz. Dominik Szoboszlai had a late chance in the 85th minute, whipping a free-kick just past the post.
Player Performances and Transfer Speculation
Victor Munoz, a summer signing, scored his first goal for Liverpool, redeeming an otherwise frustrating first appearance at Anfield. Cody Gakpo, despite transfer links with Tottenham and Man City, impressed during the match, providing the assist for Isak’s goal. His performance, including a goal last weekend at Newcastle, highlights his strong form during Liverpool’s early season.
The impending arrival of £120m Bradley Barcola has fueled speculation about Gakpo’s future at the club, with Deadline Day approaching. Iraola will be hoping that Barcola’s arrival can help kickstart Liverpool’s season, as the team continues to search for their first league win.
Nottingham Forest manager Oliver Glasner expressed pride in his team’s performance, particularly in the first half, but also disappointment with the result. He noted that the team created many chances at Anfield and showed a strong reaction after conceding the equaliser, which led to their penalty.
The draw leaves both sides still seeking their first league wins of the season.
Source: skysports.com
