Liverpool fight back as Victor Munoz denies Nottingham Forest at Anfield

Victor Munoz announced himself at Anfield with a goal of considerable importance, rescuing Liverpool from defeat against Nottingham Forest and giving Andoni Iraola another reminder of both the character and vulnerabilities within his new side.

Munoz, making his full debut, struck eight minutes from time to secure a 2-2 Premier League draw. Liverpool had twice fallen behind against an impressive Forest side, first to Dan Ndoye and then Morgan Gibbs-White, before responding through Alexander Isak and Munoz.

For Iraola, the wait for a first league victory as Liverpool head coach continues. There was encouragement in the resilience shown, but plenty for him to address defensively.

Nottingham Forest expose Liverpool weakness

Forest recovered from a cautious opening and soon began finding uncomfortable spaces behind Liverpool’s defence.

Jeremy Jacquet produced an important block to deny Igor Jesus, while Ndoye headed narrowly wide before eventually putting Nottingham Forest ahead. A direct ball exposed Liverpool’s defensive line, Gibbs-White provided the pass and Ndoye finished clinically.

Liverpool briefly thought Florian Wirtz had equalised, but an offside earlier in the move prevented the goal from standing.

Alisson then made an important intervention before half-time, pushing Igor Jesus’ attempt against the crossbar and preventing Liverpool from entering the interval two goals behind.

Isak sparks Liverpool response

Forest remained dangerous after the restart but failed to capitalise on promising counter-attacks.

Liverpool punished that wastefulness on the hour. Cody Gakpo escaped Neco Williams and delivered an excellent low cross, allowing Isak the simplest of finishes into an empty net.

Anfield responded. Liverpool increased the tempo, possession became more purposeful and Forest were suddenly being forced backwards.

That momentum did not last.

Gibbs-White restores Forest lead

Ten minutes after Liverpool’s equaliser, Forest struck again.

Liam Delap and Williams reacted quickly to a throw-in, catching Liverpool unprepared. Alisson raced from his goal to confront Williams and caught the wing-back, prompting referee Samuel Barrott to award a penalty.

Gibbs-White converted confidently to restore Nottingham Forest’s advantage and leave Liverpool facing another recovery mission.

Munoz makes his Anfield mark

Liverpool found one.

With eight minutes remaining, Wirtz supplied Munoz and the Spanish winger attacked the opportunity decisively, thumping his effort against the crossbar and into the net.

There was still time to search for a winner, but neither side could provide it.

Nottingham Forest deserved their point after repeatedly troubling Liverpool with direct, intelligent attacking play. Iraola will recognise the defensive issues requiring attention, particularly Liverpool’s vulnerability when opponents attack space quickly.

Munoz, however, provided the afternoon’s most encouraging Liverpool moment. On his full debut, with his team staring at defeat, he delivered precisely when Anfield needed him.