Victor Munoz marked his first competitive start at Anfield with a goal as Liverpool drew 2-2 with Nottingham Forest, but concerns over Dominik Szoboszlai's form persisted. The £34.5million summer signing had already won a late penalty at Newcastle United last week, and here he powered in Liverpool's second equaliser himself after being moved to the right flank.
Munoz, short in stature but stocky of build, took a while to find his bearings on the opposite wing before curling one shot narrowly over just before the interval. He has the physicality and work ethic Andoni Iraola demands of his players and seems unlikely to be bothered by the physicality of English football.
Gakpo and Wirtz step up
Starting right-winger Cody Gakpo had earlier demonstrated his quality with a neat turn inside the area before inviting Alexander Isak to tap in Liverpool's first goal. The performance increased the clamour for the Dutchman to remain at the club amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City, who reports claim to be his destination of choice if he were to depart.
Florian Wirtz also responded to criticism with a battling performance. The Germany international, who cost a potential £116million, pressed hard, worked relentlessly and made a difference with his guile. Only the outstretched leg of an offside Jeremie Frimpong and the later outstretched arm of Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels prevented Wirtz from opening his account for the season.
The 23-year-old's second-half persistence was rewarded with the neat pass in for Gakpo to create Isak's strike, and then a direct assist when finding Munoz for Liverpool's second equaliser. He even sent the sizeable frame of Murillo to the turf to earn a booking.
Szoboszlai below par again
Ryan Gravenberch made way as Alexis Mac Allister returned to the engine room, with Mac Allister's early impact creating an opening for Gakpo and getting stuck into tackles. Alongside him, though, Dominik Szoboszlai had another disappointing afternoon.
The Hungarian's dramatic penalty at Newcastle perhaps distracted from a below-par showing, and here against Forest he was little better. The sight of him playing out the game at right-back was a pointed reflection on both the Reds' lack of options in the position and Szoboszlai's own iffy outing in the engine room.
Teenager Trey Nyoni impressed during his late cameo, happily mixing it with more experienced opposition. With Liverpool demonstrating little sign of bringing in a new midfielder before Tuesday's deadline, the faith being shown in Nyoni could soon be given a test with more starting opportunities.
