Steven Gerrard lambasted Jeremie Frimpong, Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo as Liverpool headed into half-time against Nottingham Forest trailing. The visitors drew first blood during the 12.30pm kick-off at Anfield, with Dan Ndoye producing a composed finish inside the box after just 24 minutes.
Disallowed Goal and Defensive Errors
Florian Wirtz appeared to have levelled for the Reds less than 10 minutes later, slotting home from a comparable position at the other end of the pitch. However, the German attacking midfielder's effort was disallowed shortly afterwards owing to Frimpong being caught offside during the build-up.
As Liverpool made their way down the tunnel a goal behind on home turf, Gerrard made no attempt to conceal his thoughts on Forest's opener. The goal stemmed from a long ball played by Matz Sels, with Igor Jesus bursting beyond the defensive line and bringing it under control with an immaculate first touch.
Although Mac Allister managed to get a touch and dispossess Jesus, Morgan Gibbs-White was perfectly placed to immediately spread play to Ndoye, who found himself with an abundance of space due to Gakpo and Frimpong being caught out of position and leaving a gaping hole on the right flank.
Gerrard's Verdict on the Goal
Dissecting the woeful defensive display, Gerrard said: "There's the punt, you've got to win the first ball - this ball here, it's very important that Mac Allister wins it. If not, Cody Gakpo has got to be back in position."
"They've switched positions on the right-hand side. So Frimpong's gone for the first press, Gakpo has to become the right-back, he has to recover quicker, get back into defence, get back into position and make sure Ndoye doesn't get that shot on goal.
"Unfortunately, he doesn't. He's ball-watching and they get punished for it."
Second-Half Drama and Late Equaliser
Liverpool emerged for the second-half with greater intent, with Alexander Isak restoring parity on the 60-minute mark, Gakpo picking out the Swedish striker at the far post for a simple finish.
However, the Reds were stunned once more 10 minutes later when Gibbs-White scored from the penalty spot. Neco Williams was charging into Alisson's area when the goalkeeper was compelled to leave his line to protect his goal. The Brazilian made contact with the Forest full-back's leg after the ball was played, with Sam Barrott instantly pointing to the spot.
While Virgil van Dijk did his utmost to distract James McAtee as he stood waiting 12 yards out, the midfielder passed the ball over to Gibbs-White, who struck it straight down the middle to make it 2-1.
Gakpo and Frimpong were also later withdrawn for Ryan Gravenberch and Kostas Tsimikas following disappointing individual displays.
In a match packed with drama and unexpected twists, summer recruit Victor Munoz proved to be the equaliser with around 10 minutes remaining — firing a fierce effort past Sels as the ball cannoned off the crossbar and over the line.
The contest ultimately ended 2-2, with Liverpool and Forest each claiming a point from the hard-fought encounter in front of the Kop.
Liverpool now turn their attention to a trip to Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Friday, September 4, while Forest prepare to host Tottenham Hotspur at the City Ground the following day.
