Liverpool’s dreadful season grew even worse as they were defeated with surprising ease by an outstanding Nottingham Forest side at Anfield.
Arne Slot’s Premier League title holders had hoped to recover from a heavy loss to Manchester City, but instead faced a Forest team rejuvenated under new manager Sean Dyche and performing at their highest level again.
Liverpool head coach Slot handed a start to £125m British record signing Alexander Isak, but he remained completely ineffective and was taken off after 67 minutes.
Forest opened the scoring in the 33rd minute when defender Murillo fired powerfully beyond the returning Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, quieting an already nervous Anfield crowd.
Igor Jesus had a second goal disallowed for handball, but Forest extended their lead just 47 seconds into the second half when former Liverpool defender Neco Williams provided the assist for Nicola Savona, who finished neatly in front of The Kop.
Liverpool struggled to muster any meaningful reaction in a poor performance, and Forest added a third with 12 minutes remaining when Morgan Gibbs-White scored after Alisson had initially stopped Omari Hutchinson’s effort.
As a result, Liverpool have now suffered six defeats in their last seven Premier League matches, placing Slot’s near £450m summer investment under even greater scrutiny.