Liverpool twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Nottingham Forest, continuing a curious pattern in the opening rounds of their Premier League campaign under Andoni Iraola.
The Reds also conceded twice and recovered twice in their opening-day match against Newcastle United. They would have wanted a more convincing performance against Forest, but instead had to rely on another late response to avoid defeat.
Euro-Football.ru assessed the four Liverpool players directly involved in the goals. The ratings were subjective, with every player receiving a starting mark of 6.0 and a maximum possible score of 10.
Cody Gakpo – 4.0
Playing on the right rather than in his usual position, Gakpo was deployed there by Iraola to allow Victor Munoz greater freedom on the left. That plan did not produce much from Munoz in the first half, while Gakpo endured a particularly difficult spell.
He managed only six sprints, lost five of his six duels and sent several crosses out of play. However, Gakpo eventually made a decisive contribution in the 60th minute, delivering an excellent low cross for Liverpool’s opening goal.
That moment prevented his performance from receiving an even lower rating.
Alexander Isak – 4.0
Isak had Gakpo to thank for avoiding a mark of 3.0. The Sweden striker was slow to make decisions throughout the match and often appeared to wait until defenders had closed him down before acting.
His involvement in the first half appeared almost accidental when he laid the ball off for a dangerous effort by Munoz. Isak did score after the hour mark, converting from a square pass by Gakpo in a situation where missing would have been extremely difficult.
Despite the goal, his overall involvement was limited. Isak touched the ball only 13 times and completed three passes to team-mates.
Florian Wirtz – 4.5
Wirtz twice gave possession away in short passing situations, and seven of his misplaced passes led to Liverpool losing the ball. He was nevertheless involved in the game rather than simply drifting through it, making two tackles.
One of those challenges came before his disallowed goal in the 32nd minute. Wirtz finished well, but was judged to have strayed marginally offside.
He did eventually register a recognised assist in the 82nd minute, placing the ball accurately into Munoz’s path and giving Liverpool the opportunity to level the contest.
Victor Munoz – 6.5
Munoz became much more influential after switching to the right flank, where he found more space because Ola Aina had dealt effectively with him on the left. The change came relatively late, but there was still enough time for him to rescue a point.
After receiving Wirtz’s pass, Munoz turned and sent the ball into the net via a deflection off the crossbar. His equaliser preserved Liverpool’s unbeaten start at home and ensured Iraola did not suffer defeat in his first match at Anfield.
Munoz completed 24 sprints and remained Liverpool’s most active attacking player. His persistence was ultimately rewarded, although he could have earned an even higher rating had he converted a first-half chance inside the penalty area. His effort struck too low rather than finding the underside of the crossbar.
