Liverpool frustrated once again against Nottingham Forest and is yet to win a competitive game under Andoni Iraola but there were positives including Florian Wirtz and Victor Munoz
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola.
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola.(Image: Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images)
Liverpool struggling to break down a low block, toiling against an Oliver Glasner side, with a restless and frustrated Anfield crowd watching on, and Dominik Szoboszlai ending up at right-back. Where have you seen this story before?
This time, at least, Liverpool did not lose to Nottingham Forest, like it did twice under Arne Slot, though it did not win the game either. Both of Andoni Iraola's first two matches in charge have ended in a stalemate.
First, there was the ferocious atmosphere at Newcastle, then the intensity of the Tricky Trees, with an exciting front line including Igor Jesus and Morgan Gibbs-White. Liverpool was simply unable to match the required physical levels in periods.
It should be noted that there were ample positives: Victor Munoz was very lively, Alexander Isak scored, and Florian Wirtz showed some glimpses of his class. But as a collective, it simply wasn't at the required level.
Defensively, Liverpool is still far too open in key moments, while offensively, it didn't create that much. The xG stats showed Nottingham Forest ahead 2.30 to 1.61, and while part of that was the penalty, it had five so-called 'big chances' to the Reds' one.
Alexis Mac Allister started brightly, but faded, and Trey Nyoni made a big difference when he came on. But it still feels like it will be some time before Liverpool can put together something closer to the full package.
Victor Munoz of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Premier League match against Nottingham Forest
Victor Munoz was one the scoresheet in Liverpool's draw against Nottingham Forest(Image: Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Jeremie Frimpong's performance was perhaps the biggest concern, while Jeremy Jacquet, though he played well again, was among a number of Liverpool stars who tired as the game went on — general match sharpness is still lacking.
That Szoboszlai ended up at right-back told a story, though. That was not a good sign, but it was the right call — Frimpong had struggled that much.
Indeed, with Conor Bradley still recovering from a long-term injury, the requirement to bring in a right-back does appear glaring. Right now, Szoboszlai is the club's best option there.
If Iraola is to look for the good in this game, two players stand out: Munoz and Wirtz.
The former was the quickest player on the pitch, and though he needs to become stronger — and avoid any more silly bookings like the one that he collected for dissent — there was a lot to be excited about.
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The same can be said of Wirtz, too. The German has come under fire this week, most notably from Jamie Carragher, but this performance — the first half and then the second-half assist specifically — was a strong response.
"Florian is very good," Iraola said post-match. "I trust him a lot, and I think we have to find the best way to use him. I think his position from my side is quite clear, and the more he plays with us, I think the better he will be. I have very little doubt."
Wirtz and Munoz, though, need more support. Bradley Barcola will be able to provide that in part, but another winger, in addition to the Frenchman, is a must. And unlike a right-back, those two moves happening before the deadline do appear to be realistic.
Liverpool was good in parts, with some really promising performances. Ultimately, though, it lacked consistency. Unless something dramatically changes before Tuesday's transfer deadline, that might end up being the best way of describing the season that follows.