Liverpool experienced their first defeat of the season in a match against Nottingham Forest at Anfield, bringing an unexpected halt to their unbeaten run under the management of Nuno Espirito Santo. Despite entering the game as clear favorites, the Reds were unable to secure a victory, falling 1-0 to the visitors.
The decisive moment came in the 72nd minute when former Chelsea player, Callum Hudson-Odoi, scored the match-winning goal. After receiving a well-placed pass from Anthony Elanga, Hudson-Odoi delivered a stunning strike that found the back of the net, beating Liverpool’s goalkeeper, Alisson Becker. This moment dealt a significant blow to Liverpool’s aspirations in their ongoing title race.
There has been some debate about who should bear the responsibility for the goal. While Alisson faced criticism for not attempting to save the shot, Gary Breen, a commentator on Premier Sports 1, highlighted the role of Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate in the sequence leading to the goal. According to Breen, Konate’s positioning was a key factor in the goal’s outcome, as it obstructed Alisson’s view, preventing the goalkeeper from even attempting a dive to stop the ball.
This incident has added to the ongoing discussion surrounding Konate’s reliability as a defender. Concerns about his form and performances have already been circulating, with reports last month from Football Insider suggesting that manager Arne Slot had expressed dissatisfaction with Konate’s subpar training efforts. These doubts may now be amplified, as the defender’s positioning in this match played a pivotal role in Nottingham Forest’s victory.
Looking ahead, Liverpool will need to regroup quickly, as they face AC Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday, an important fixture where they will aim to bounce back from this setback.
