Liverpool's Defensive Woes Deepen in Forest Defeat
Liverpool manager Arne Slot made a drastic 55th-minute change during his side's Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest, substituting defender Ibrahima Konate for striker Hugo Ekitike while trailing 2-0 at Anfield. The bold tactical switch, aimed at salvaging the game, was met with a telling reaction from the French international, who was captured smiling wryly to himself as he made his way off the pitch.
A Dismal Run of Form
The Reds entered the match on Saturday in dreadful form, and this result means they have now suffered six defeats in their last seven league games. Their title defence is in tatters after a commanding performance from Sean Dyche's Forest side. Konate's performance had come under particular scrutiny from fans this season, with his partnership with Virgil van Dijk failing to replicate its previous solidity.
Forest took the lead when Murillo fired home from a corner. Liverpool protested vehemently, claiming Dan Ndoye was influencing play from an offside position, but VAR allowed the goal to stand. The visitors thought they had doubled their lead minutes later after a mistake from Konate allowed Igor Jesus to score, but a handball decision provided a temporary reprieve for the hosts.
The Decisive Moment and Fallout
That reprieve was short-lived. Straight after the half-time break, Forest right-back Nicolo Savona made it 2-0, prompting Slot's decisive and unorthodox action. The substitution saw holding midfielder Ryan Gravenberch drop into the back line.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson was scathing in his assessment. "The way Konate has played today, I reckon Ekitike could even drop in there and do a better job," he quipped. Robinson went further, stating Konate was "not playing well at all" and that there were "so many holes in that Liverpool back four."
Despite the criticism, Konate's place may be secure by necessity. Summer signing Giovanni Leoni suffered an ACL injury against Southampton, leaving Joe Gomez as the only other senior centre-back available. The introduction of Ekitike to join Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, and £125million signing Alexander Isak failed to have the desired effect, as Liverpool could not break down a resolute Forest defence, compounding a miserable afternoon at Anfield.
