Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest live updates from Anfield. Get the latest score, goals, team news, lineups and key moments from the Premier League clash.
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest was one of the major Premier League fixtures at Anfield on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Liverpool welcomed Nottingham Forest for their first league home match of the new campaign, with supporters expecting an energetic performance from the Reds under manager Andoni Iraola.
The match kicked off at 12:30 PM BST at Anfield, with referee Sam Barrott appointed for the fixture.
The contest quickly developed into an entertaining and challenging afternoon for Liverpool, with Nottingham Forest showing that they were not prepared to simply sit back and defend.
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest Live Score
The match ultimately ended with Nottingham Forest winning 2-1 against Liverpool at Anfield.
Forest took the lead through Dan Ndoye in the 24th minute, before Liverpool fought back after the interval. Alexander Isak brought Liverpool level in the second half, but Morgan Gibbs-White restored Forest’s advantage from the penalty spot.
The result gave Forest another memorable victory at Anfield and added to Liverpool’s recent difficulties in this particular fixture.
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest: Match Highlights
Nottingham Forest started the game with confidence and caused Liverpool problems during the opening stages. Liverpool struggled to establish sustained control, while Forest looked dangerous when moving forward quickly.
The visitors eventually broke the deadlock in the 24th minute. A long ball forward was won by Igor Jesus before the attack developed towards Dan Ndoye, who produced a composed finish into the bottom corner to put Forest 1-0 ahead.
Liverpool attempted to respond before half-time but found Forest’s defensive structure difficult to break down.
The Reds entered the interval behind despite having attacking quality on the pitch.
Liverpool Fight Back After Half-Time
Liverpool returned for the second half with greater attacking intent.
Their pressure eventually produced an equaliser in the 60th minute. Florian Wirtz helped create the opening before Cody Gakpo moved into the box and delivered the ball across goal. Alexander Isak was in the right position to finish from close range and make it 1-1.
The goal changed the atmosphere inside Anfield, with Liverpool supporters hoping their team could complete the comeback.
However, Forest responded strongly.
Morgan Gibbs-White Restores Forest’s Lead
Nottingham Forest regained the advantage from the penalty spot after an incident involving Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson and Forest’s attack.
Morgan Gibbs-White converted the penalty, putting Forest back in front and leaving Liverpool with another uphill battle.
Liverpool made further changes in an attempt to find another equaliser, but Forest’s defensive organisation helped the visitors protect their lead until the final whistle.
Liverpool Starting XI vs Nottingham Forest
Liverpool made two changes from their previous league match, with Victor Munoz making his full debut and Alexis Mac Allister returning to the starting lineup.
Liverpool’s confirmed XI was:
Alisson; Frimpong, Jeremy Jacquet, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez; Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister; Victor Munoz, Florian Wirtz, Cody Gakpo; Alexander Isak.
Ryan Gravenberch and Rio Ngumoha were among those dropping to the substitutes’ bench.
The lineup highlighted Iraola’s willingness to use his new-look squad as he continues to establish his preferred tactical approach.
Nottingham Forest Starting XI
Nottingham Forest began with Matz Sels in goal, supported by a defensive group featuring Murillo, Nikola Milenkovic, Neco Williams and Ola Aina.
Morgan Gibbs-White was also included from the start, alongside Dan Ndoye and Igor Jesus in attack.
The confirmed Forest substitutes included Liam Delap, Ousmane Diomande, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Chris Wood and Ryan Yates.
Why Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest Was Important
This was more than just another early-season Premier League fixture for Liverpool.
The match represented Andoni Iraola’s first competitive home game at Anfield as Liverpool manager. The new boss was looking to build momentum after Liverpool’s opening league result and wanted his team to produce a more convincing defensive performance.
Liverpool had already shown attacking quality, but defensive organisation and consistency remained important areas to improve.
Forest, meanwhile, arrived at Anfield knowing that they had previously enjoyed success at the stadium. Their ability to transition quickly from defence to attack was one of the major threats Liverpool had to manage.
Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak Among Liverpool’s Key Players
Liverpool’s attacking setup featured several high-profile names.
Florian Wirtz was expected to play an important creative role between midfield and attack, while Cody Gakpo provided width and movement in the final third.
Alexander Isak was another major focus. The striker was given responsibility for leading Liverpool’s attack, particularly with the club dealing with injuries and squad availability issues.
Isak eventually delivered Liverpool’s equaliser, demonstrating his ability to remain dangerous inside the penalty area.
Liverpool’s New Era Under Andoni Iraola
The appointment of Andoni Iraola has brought significant attention to Liverpool’s tactical direction.
The Spanish manager is expected to demand intensity, aggressive pressing and quick attacking transitions. His first home league game at Anfield therefore represented an important opportunity for supporters to see how his football philosophy would translate into competitive action.
Before the Forest match, Liverpool had drawn 2-2 with Newcastle United in their opening Premier League fixture, with Dominik Szoboszlai scoring a late penalty to secure a point.
The Forest game therefore carried additional importance as Liverpool searched for their first league victory of the campaign.
Nottingham Forest Continue to Pose Problems at Anfield
For Nottingham Forest, the victory was another reminder that they can cause serious problems for Liverpool on Merseyside.
Forest’s compact defensive shape made it difficult for Liverpool to create clear opportunities, while their counter-attacking approach repeatedly tested the home defence.
The visitors also showed composure after Liverpool equalised. Instead of allowing the momentum to completely shift towards the Reds, Forest responded by winning another key moment and taking the lead again.
What the Result Means for Liverpool
The defeat will raise questions about Liverpool’s defensive consistency and their ability to control matches at home.
There were positive signs in attack, particularly after half-time, but Forest exposed weaknesses that Liverpool will need to address as the season progresses.
For Iraola, the match also provided valuable information about how his squad responds when facing a well-organised opponent who is willing to defend deeply and attack quickly.
With the Premier League season still in its early stages, Liverpool have plenty of time to improve. However, dropping points at Anfield will increase the pressure to respond strongly in their next league fixtures.
What the Result Means for Nottingham Forest
For Nottingham Forest, defeating Liverpool at Anfield represents a major confidence boost.
The visitors showed discipline, attacking efficiency and resilience throughout the match. Ndoye’s opening goal provided the foundation, while Gibbs-White’s penalty ultimately proved decisive.
Forest can take considerable encouragement from their ability to withstand Liverpool’s second-half pressure and still leave Anfield with all three points.
Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest: Final Takeaway
The Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest clash delivered an entertaining Premier League contest with plenty of attacking moments, tactical battles and late pressure.
Liverpool managed to recover from a one-goal deficit when Alexander Isak equalised, but Forest responded through Morgan Gibbs-White and held on for a 2-1 victory.
For Liverpool, the result underlines the need for greater defensive stability and consistency under Andoni Iraola. For Nottingham Forest, it is a statement result that will provide significant confidence early in the season.
As the Premier League campaign continues, Liverpool will be expected to respond quickly, while Forest will look to build on a victory that once again demonstrated their ability to trouble one of England’s biggest clubs.
