Liverpool boss Arne Slot had already stoked the flames before this one, after remarking upon how high-flying Nottingham Forest should be expecting success, given how much money they have invested.
The Dutchman was quick to heap praise on Nuno Espirito Santo and his side simultaneously, but the touch-paper was lit nonetheless.
The City Ground was a cauldron from the off, with Forest pumped on the belief that they could once again inflict defeat upon the Premier League leaders.
Express Sport runs the rule over the player ratings for the Reds…
Alisson Becker – Solid between the sticks as Liverpool looked uncertainn. Not at his sharpest, but an ever-presence. 6
Trent Alexander-Arnold – Still not the player he was a few weeks ago. Passing range still sharp, but not as clinical. Looked to start some good moves, but conviction remains lacking at present. 6
Ibrahima Konate – Lacking match fitness and struggled with his judgement. Got through the game thanks to Van Dijk, before being brought off in the second half due to a tactical re-jig. 5
Virgil van Dijk – Stood tall and rightly berated his back-line after conceding early on. Retained a tight ship thereafter, and showed leadership. 7
Andy Robertson – Struggled once again, before making way for Tsimikas in the second half. The Greek understudy immediately made an impact by getting an assist. An evening to forget for Robertson, as his search for form continues. 5
Ryan Gravenberch – A subdued game for the Dutchman’s high standards this season. Lost the physical battle, but showed glimpses of his quality throughout. 6
Alexis Mac Allister – Once again the commanding presence for Liverpool, though grew incredibly frustrated with questionable refereeing decisions. At the heart of almost all the best passages of play for Slot’s team. 8
Dominik Szoboszlai – Showed lots of energy and was a menace when Forest got the ball. Lost possession more readily than usual, but put in plenty of graft and was unlucky with a couple of long range efforts. 7
Mohamed Salah – Took a while to get into the game, but firing on (almost) all cylinders by the end. Very unlucky not to go away with the match-winning strike, courtesy of a sublime goal-line clearance. 6
Cody Gakpo – A threat throughout, came close to another long-range effort but denied by some great goalkeeping. Forest hated him cutting in from the wing, much to Slot’s delight. His strong form continues. 7
Luis Diaz – Inventive and lively, but lacking a cutting edge. Withdrawn in the second half as Slot worked out a better system. Not his best evening. 5
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Substitutes
F. Chiesa
C. Bradley
D. Jota – The man of the hour for the Reds, after coming on an equalising with his first touch. An option which, when fit, is always entirely vital. The best finisher in Slot’s team, and showed up Salah here when Liverpool needed somebody clinical. 8
H. Elliot
W. Endo
C. Jones
J. Quansah
K. Tsimikas
C. Kelleher
