Full Breakdown
Liverpool Held to 2-2 Draw by Nottingham Forest in Andoni Iraola’s Anfield Debut
8/29/2026, 8:17:09 PM
Match Summary
On August 29, Liverpool hosted Nottingham Forest at Anfield in the opening weekend of the 2026-27 Premier League. Forest led after 24 minutes when Dan Ndoye finished a quick counter-attack. Liverpool equalised at the hour mark as Alexander Isak tapped in a low cross from Cody Gakpo. A penalty after Alisson Becker fouled Neco Williams gave Forest a 2-1 advantage in the 70th minute. Victor Muñoz, on his first start for Liverpool, struck a deflected finish in the 82nd minute to secure a point. Both managers left the ground without a win in their first two league games.
Background & Context
Andoni Iraola took charge of his first home Premier League match after being appointed in the summer. Nottingham Forest, under Oliver Glasner, entered the fixture after two defeats and were seeking their first Anfield win under the new coach.
Data & Statistics
- Possession: Liverpool 69 % – Forest 31 %
- Expected goals (xG): Liverpool 1.61 – Forest 2.30
- Total shots: Liverpool 13 (4 on target) – Forest 12 (3 on target)
- Big chances: Liverpool 1 – Forest 5
- Pass accuracy: Liverpool 89 % – Forest 69 %
Official Statements & Responses
Oliver Glasner said Forest were “proud of the performance” but “disappointed with the result,” noting the team created many chances. Liverpool’s principal owner John Henry watched from the directors’ box alongside vice-chairman Amit Bhatia; no direct comment from Henry was recorded.
Criticism & Opposition
Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard criticised several players after the match, singling out Jeremie Frimpong, Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo for under-performing and contributing to defensive lapses.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Two points of contention emerged:
1. Florian Wirtz’s first-half strike was ruled out after VAR determined Jeremie Frimpong was marginally offside in the build-up. Sources differ on whether the offside was “marginal” or “clear”.
2. The penalty awarded after Alisson’s challenge on Neco Williams was upheld by referee Samuel Barrott, but Glasner described the contact as “not aggressive,” while Liverpool argued the decision was “harsh.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's been good. There is always time to get used to a new style,” — Alexander Isak
- “That's the job ultimately as a striker,” — Alexander Isak
What’s Next
Liverpool travel to Ipswich Town on September 4 for their next league match, while Forest host Tottenham Hotspur the following day. The club is also close to completing the £106 million signing of French winger Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain, a deal announced on August 28. Both sides will look to convert the points earned into victories as the season progresses.
