Liverpool were held to a 2-2 draw by Nottingham Forest at Anfield, marking a second consecutive Premier League match without a win and leaving the squad's shortcomings exposed ahead of the transfer deadline.
The Reds have now failed to hold a lead in nearly 200 minutes of league football this season, a stat that underscores the work still needed under new coach Andoni Iraola. While the team showed flashes of promise, the need for reinforcements in the transfer market has become increasingly urgent.
Munoz impresses on debut
Victor Munoz, the summer signing from Osasuna, was the standout performer for Liverpool, scoring a debut goal with a fine finish from a Florian Wirtz assist to make it 2-2. His energy and direct play offered optimism for the future, and he is expected to be the starter on the right side.
"The finish was world class," said Reds legend Steven Gerrard on TNT Sport. "For £34m in today's market, Liverpool could have a steal here."
However, Liverpool's defensive frailties were evident again, as Forest scored with their first shot on target through Dan Ndoye, who slotted home after a long ball from Matz Sels. The Reds had earlier had a goal disallowed for offside against Jeremie Frimpong.
Transfer window urgency
The imminent arrival of £123m Bradley Barcola, set for a weekend medical, is expected to ease the search for a winger, but another wide player is still needed on the opposite flank. The idea of selling Cody Gakpo appears unlikely, despite reported interest from Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur.
Sporting director Richard Hughes faces a busy few days before Tuesday's 11pm deadline to provide Iraola with the tools he needs. "You can tell that it needs new additions," added Gerrard. "Hopefully the owners can dig deep and do that in the final few days."
Alexander Isak scored his first goal of the season after good work from Gakpo, but the £125m striker was otherwise anonymous in only his second 90 minutes in 12 months as a Liverpool player.
Defensive concerns persist
Forest's second goal came after a quick throw-in from substitute Liam Delap, allowing Neco Williams to race through and be fouled by Alisson Becker, with Morgan Gibbs-White converting the penalty. Liverpool's full-back positions remain a concern, with Williams flourishing since leaving the club in 2022.
Jeremy Jacquet, at centre-back, looks a real prospect at 21, and Ronald Araujo, who replaced him, brings physicality and experience. But the squad still lacks depth, and with principal owner John W Henry watching from the directors' box alongside new vice chairman Amit Bhatia, the coming days will be crucial in shaping the season.
