Liverpool will have to wait a little longer for their first Premier League win. Trailing twice against a solid and dangerous Nottingham Forest side, the Reds fought back to a 2-2 draw at Anfield thanks to a superb finish from Víctor Muñoz late in the game.
After Newcastle in the opening matchday, Liverpool have now conceded a second consecutive 2-2. A result that quite accurately reflects the shape of the match: the Reds had more of the ball, but without truly dominating a Forest side that played fearlessly for long spells.
Forest cause problems for Liverpool
Liverpool tried to impose their rhythm from the opening minutes, but Nottingham Forest responded quickly. The visitors looked dangerous on the counter and regularly found space in behind the defence.
In the 24th minute, Gibbs-White released Dan Ndoye, who ran into the box before placing a low shot beyond Alisson's reach.
0-1.
Liverpool responded and pushed harder before the break. Florian Wirtz had a header chance, while Alisson had to make a save against Igor Jesus to prevent Forest from doubling their lead.
At half-time, Liverpool had the ball, but Forest had contained the Reds perfectly and had been dangerous enough to deserve their lead.
Isak equalises, Forest retake the lead
Liverpool came out with more intensity after the break and eventually equalised in the 60th minute.
Florian Wirtz found Cody Gakpo, who beat two defenders before setting up Alexander Isak. The Swede finished at the far post.
1-1.
But Forest did not fold. Ten minutes later, Neco Williams won a penalty following contact with Alisson. Morgan Gibbs-White converted it without hesitation.
1-2.
Liverpool once again had to chase the game.
Muñoz rescues the Reds
Just as Forest looked to be heading for a prestigious win, Víctor Muñoz stepped up in the 82nd minute.
Found by Wirtz inside the box, the Spaniard controlled the ball before unleashing a powerful shot that took a slight deflection and ended up under the crossbar.
2-2.
Liverpool pushed again in the closing minutes, but Forest held firm until the final whistle.
The ball for Liverpool, the answers for Forest
Liverpool finished with nearly 70% possession, but that statistic does not tell the whole story. The Reds had 13 shots to Forest's 12, with only four on target compared to three.
The match was therefore far more balanced than the possession numbers might suggest. Forest defended very well, looked dangerous on the counter and knew how to exploit Liverpool's moments of fragility.
The Reds can take heart from their ability to come back twice, as well as the growing influence of Wirtz, Gakpo and Muñoz.
But after two matchdays, the conclusion remains clear: Liverpool have character, but not yet enough control.
Two matches, two 2-2 draws and still no win. Andoni Iraola will need to quickly fix the defensive issues and help his side gain better control of matches.
Against Nottingham Forest, Liverpool pushed, responded and never gave up. But they never truly dominated either.
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