Liverpool and Nottingham Forest played out a pulsating 2-2 draw in Andoni Iraola's inaugural home Premier League fixture, with Morgan Gibbs-White producing a masterclass to earn his side a point at Anfield.
Gibbs-White was named player of the match, earning a towering 8 rating. The England international added to his impressive Anfield record with both an assist and a penalty strike, bringing his tally to five goal involvements — three goals and two assists — at the historic ground. He also sits as the top English goal-scorer in the Premier League this calendar year with 13 strikes.
Nottingham Forest's opener arrived courtesy of Dan Ndoye, whose brilliant finish past Alisson marked his first Premier League goal in 377 days. The goal traced back to a clever punt from goalkeeper Matz Sels, who also produced a fine save to deny Florian Wirtz, though he was well beaten by Cody Gakpo's cross for Alexander Isak's equalizer and had no chance whatsoever at Victor Munoz's thunderous leveller.
For Liverpool, Munoz rescued a point with a spectacular strike in front of the Kop, having enjoyed his preferred left flank in his first start. He had earlier fired wide from inside the box and seen a penalty shout dismissed. Wirtz was also unlucky not to add to his name, seeing a neat finish ruled out for Frimpong's offside and another effort tipped over by Sels. He did provide the assist for Munoz's goal.
Alexander Isak had a forgettable opening half — just six touches and zero shots — but redeemed himself with his ninth touch of the game, scoring the equalizer around the hour mark to boost his confidence. Cody Gakpo, potentially making one of his final appearances for Liverpool, started on the right and was highly effective, creating chances for both Wirtz and Munoz before setting up Isak's goal, though he was culpable for Forest's opener.
Alisson saved Liverpool from trailing further with a superb second-half stop to deny Igor Jesus, but he was well beaten for Ndoye's opener and faulted for the penalty conceded for Gibbs-White's goal, finishing with a 5 rating.
Defensively, Liverpool were troubled throughout. Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez (substituted at 71 minutes) were among the lowest-rated hosts, while Virgil van Dijk was clearly frustrated by how easily Forest's attacks cut through. Jeremy Jacquet made a vital goal-saving challenge against Jesus early on but showed occasional lapses in discipline.
Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister were solid, with Szoboszlai noticeably sharper defensively than in the Newcastle defeat, and Mac Allister orchestrateing a lovely reverse ball for Gakpo despite struggling physically against Jesus in the build-up to Forest's opener.
Forest's backline, meanwhile, initially made it incredibly difficult for Liverpool to break them down. Murillo was fearless in possession and crucial to maintain, while Nikola Milenkovic was rock Solid. Ola Aina was relentless down the left, constantly troubling Liverpool, and Neco Williams — once linked with a move to Anfield and a name on their books — was full of energy, making a superb early tackle before winning the penalty that restored Forest's lead.
James McAtee impressed in his opportunity following Elliot Anderson's departure to Manchester City, delivering tidy performances and quality deliveries. Xaver Schlager, replacing the injured Ibrahim Sangare, was solid apart from an early nutmeg by Szoboszlai. Jair Cunha and Igor Jesus were forces up front, with Jesus particularly annoying the Liverpool centre-backs and providing excellent hold-up play for Ndoye's goal.
Both sides had substitutes who made little impact, with most receiving 5 ratings. The draw sends a message from both new managers as the season gets underway.