Liverpool's start to the 2026/27 Premier League season has hit another frustrating roadblock. Andoni Iraola’s Anfield debut ended in a chaotic 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest, leaving the Reds searching for their first win of the campaign.
Forest's Early Dominance Despite the high expectations surrounding Iraola's first home game since replacing Arne Slot, it was Oliver Glasner’s Nottingham Forest that dictated the early tempo. The visitors capitalized on a disorganized Liverpool defense in the 24th minute. After a long ball forward and some strong hold-up play, Morgan Gibbs-White found an unmarked Dan Ndoye, who drove a clean, low finish past Alisson Becker to silence the Anfield crowd. Liverpool looked brittle at the back and struggled to create meaningful chances before the break, with striker Alexander Isak managing just six touches in a quiet first half.
A Second-Half Rollercoaster The Reds emerged with much more intensity in the second half. Their pressure finally paid off on the hour mark when Cody Gakpo, operating effectively on the right wing, delivered an inch-perfect low cross that Isak tapped in at the back post to level the score.
However, Liverpool's momentum was instantly derailed. In the 69th minute, a quick Forest throw-in caught the defense completely asleep. Alisson rushed off his line and wiped out former Red Neco Williams, conceding a clear penalty. Gibbs-White stepped up and coolly dispatched the spot-kick into the top left corner, restoring Forest's lead in the 70th minute.
Facing a humiliating home defeat, Iraola emptied his bench to find a response. The savior arrived in the form of summer signing Víctor Muñoz. In the 82nd minute, Muñoz controlled a through ball from Florian Wirtz, swiveled, and smashed a deflected shot in off the underside of the crossbar to rescue a point with his very first goal for the club.
The Premier League Picture This 2-2 result mirrors Liverpool's opening weekend draw against Newcastle United, leaving them with just two points from their first two fixtures. While Nottingham Forest will be thrilled to take a massive away point back to the City Ground, the defensive frailties and lack of transition management are glaring warning signs for Liverpool. If the Reds want to mount a serious title challenge this season, they have immediate tactical issues to resolve on the training ground before they fall further behind in the standings.