Callum Hudson-Odoi’s superb second-half strike sprung an upset for Nottingham Forest, who won at Anfield for the first time in 55 years via Saturday’s 1-0 win over Liverpool.
The Tricky Trees stay unbeaten with the win thanks to a brilliant counter attack started by new signing Nikola Milenkovic and finished by super subs Anthony Elanga and Hudson-Odoi, as Forest move onto eight points.
Liverpool were a perfect 3-0-0 following their Week 3 defeat of Manchester United, but new manager Arne Slot watched his team concede for the first time in the Premier League en route to the loss.
Nottingham Forest get a big win to go with decent results against lesser foes, having beaten Southampton while drawing Bournemouth and Wolves. Nuno Espirito Santo has kept hold of Morgan Gibbs-White and is showing the Tricky Trees some success and calmness at the wheel of what’s been a wild ride the past two seasons.
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Nuno Espirito Santo pushes right buttons at right time
Nottingham Forest had been controlled over 45 minutes, and the second half started the same way. Nuno Espirito Santo would know a draw at Anfield would be accepted if not praised, but instead opted to go for it.
The Forest boss removed steadiness and size on the wings — Elliot Anderson and Nicolas Dominguez — and put in creative forwards Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Goodness, did it pay off!
The Nikola Milenkovic-sprang counter attack was touched to Elanga by Morgan Gibbs-White. Elanga’s fantastic long-range assist across the field to Hudson-Odoi saw the Englishman drop a pinpoint shot across goal and just inside the low post. The marvelous pass curled around one of Liverpool’s subs, Conor Bradley, and it feels like a masterstroke from Forest’s unbeaten boss.
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest player ratings
Liverpool were strong in the middle of the park and their back line, while Forest’s best danger came via their wide men. The difference was a Luis Diaz shot off the bar, a less-than-perfect Mohamed Salah, and that incredible rush from Forest that led to one of the goals of the season.
Whats next?
Liverpool have to find their finishing boots for a Tuesday trip to AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League. They’ll return to Anfield for a 10am ET Saturday (Sept. 21) scrap with Bournemouth.
It doesn’t get easier for Forest, as they go to Brighton at 9am ET on Sunday, Sept. 22.