Liverpool Collapse at Anfield as Nottingham Forest Expose Deepening Crisis for Arne Slot

Liverpool’s troubled title defence descended into deeper turmoil on Saturday as Nottingham Forest delivered a stunning 3-0 victory at Anfield, a result that raises serious questions about Arne Slot’s tenure. On a day when VAR dominated the narrative, Forest showed the composure and sharpness Liverpool lacked, capitalising ruthlessly on defensive lapses to claim one of their most memorable Premier League wins.

The tone was set early. Liverpool created chances—Alexis Mac Allister and Milos Kerkez both wasted opportunities—but their fragility without the ball proved costly. When the Reds failed to clear a routine corner, Brazilian defender Murillo reacted quickest, stroking home the opener. The decision stood despite protests that Dan Ndoye obstructed Alisson’s view, a moment that will be replayed endlessly in the coming days.

Forest thought they had doubled their lead moments later through Igor Jesus, only for referee Andy Madley to controversially penalise the forward for handball after miscontrolling Ibrahima Konaté’s mishit clearance. It spared Liverpool before the break, but not for long.

Slot’s half-time intervention produced no visible reaction. Forest emerged with greater intent, and former Liverpool full-back Neco Williams played a decisive role in the second. His burst into the penalty area went untracked, allowing him to square for Nicolo Savona, who calmly beat Alisson to give the visitors a commanding advantage. It was Savona’s third goal contribution in his last four matches, underlining his growing influence.

With Liverpool’s resistance shattered, Morgan Gibbs-White added a third in the 78th minute, rifling home after yet another lapse in concentration. By then, Anfield had fallen silent—an indictment of a team that, just months ago, lifted the Premier League trophy with swagger.

The statistics reflect a team in freefall. Liverpool have now taken just one win from their last five league matches, while the defence has conceded nine goals in their last three home fixtures. Alexander Isak, who managed only 15 touches all match, epitomised the larger problem: a side lacking cohesion, confidence, and belief.

For Slot, the pressure is now undeniable. Liverpool sit dangerously adrift in the title race, and the manner of this defeat—timid, disjointed, and alarmingly passive—will only fuel speculation about his future.

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