Nottingham Forest shocked the Premier League by delivering one of the biggest upsets of the season, as they secured a 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield. The decisive moment came from Callum Hudson-Odoi, who scored a stunning goal in the second half after being introduced as a substitute. This result handed Liverpool their first defeat at home this season.
Liverpool started the game strongly, dominating possession in the first half. They nearly took the lead when Luis Diaz came close to breaking the deadlock, hitting the post in the 17th minute. Throughout the first 45 minutes, the Reds looked more dangerous, controlling the tempo and keeping Forest largely on the back foot. However, despite their dominance in possession, Liverpool struggled to break through Nottingham Forest’s defensive structure. Their play lacked its usual precision, and although they created several chances, they were unable to convert any of them.
In contrast, Nottingham Forest adopted a more conservative approach, content to absorb Liverpool’s pressure and wait for opportunities to counter-attack. This strategy paid off, as Liverpool’s inefficiency in front of goal allowed Forest to stay in the game. As the second half progressed, Forest began to look more confident, growing into the game and causing Liverpool problems on the break.
The pivotal moment came in the 72nd minute when Anthony Elanga, who had been lively since coming on, delivered an exceptional crossfield pass to Callum Hudson-Odoi. The winger took control of the ball, cut inside onto his stronger foot, and unleashed a brilliant curling effort that flew past Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker, leaving the Brazilian with no chance.
After falling behind, Liverpool pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but they appeared to run out of ideas. Their attacking play lacked creativity, and despite having won their first three league matches of the season without conceding, they looked unusually blunt. Nottingham Forest defended resolutely, preventing Liverpool from creating any clear-cut chances.
The best opportunity for the home side came from a set-piece late in the game when Virgil van Dijk rose to meet a cross, only to see his header fly over the bar. Despite their efforts, Liverpool couldn’t find a way back into the match, and Nottingham Forest held on to claim a famous victory. This result not only demonstrated Forest’s resilience but also exposed Liverpool’s struggles in finishing off their chances, despite being in control for much of the game.
