Victor Munoz goal wasn’t enough as Liverpool were forced into a 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest in their second Premier League game of the season after being held by Newcastle United.
The Reds came from behind twice, with Victor Munoz scoring a late equaliser to deny Forest a famous away victory. The result means Liverpool are still searching for their first Premier League win of the new season under manager Andoni Iraola.
Despite enjoying large spells of possession, the Reds struggled defensively and were punished by a well-organized Forest side. The away side made a bright start and took the lead in the 24th minute through Dan Ndoye.
The move started from a quick counterattack as Morgan Gibbs-White provided the assist for the Swiss forward, who calmly finished past the goalkeeper to make the scoreline 0-1.
Liverpool thought they had found an equaliser in the first half when Florian Wirtz put the ball into the net. However, a VAR review ruled the goal out for offside, leaving the home supporters frustrated.
Forest remained disciplined and carried their one-goal advantage into the halftime break. The home side came out with more intensity after the restart and eventually got their reward in the 60th minute.
Cody Gakpo produced an excellent run down the left before sending a dangerous ball across goal. Alexander Isak was in the right place to tap home and make it 1-1.
The goal in the 60th minute lifted Liverpool and appeared to put them in control of the contest. However, Nottingham Forest responded strongly and regained the lead ten minutes later.
Neco Williams was brought down inside the penalty area by Alisson, and the referee pointed to the spot. Morgan Gibbs-White stepped up and confidently converted the penalty to restore Forest’s advantage at 2-1 in the 70th minute.
With time running out, the Red pushed forward in search of another equaliser. Their pressure finally paid off in the 82nd minute when Victor Munoz produced a moment of quality.
The new signing received the ball on the edge of the area, turned sharply, and fired a powerful effort that crashed in off the crossbar. Munoz stunning strike sparked huge celebrations among the home fans and ensured Liverpool would avoid defeat.
Both teams looked for a winner in the closing stages, but neither side could find the decisive goal. Forest will feel disappointed not to have secured all three points after leading twice, while Liverpool will be relieved to have rescued a draw.
The match highlighted both the strengths and weaknesses of Liverpool’s current squad. Going forward, they created chances and showed resilience, but defensive mistakes once again proved costly.
Forest, meanwhile, delivered an impressive performance and showed plenty of attacking threat on the counterattack.
The search for a first league victory of the season continues. Iraola will be encouraged by the fighting spirit shown by his players but will know that improvements are needed at both ends of the pitch.
Nottingham Forest leave Anfield with a valuable point and plenty of positives after pushing one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs all the way. Despite the result not going the way of Liverpool, they would be fine with the draw.