Nottingham Forest delivered a shock 3-0 victory over defending champions Liverpool at Anfield, exposing deeper issues within Arne Slot's squad. The loss marks Liverpool's sixth defeat in their last seven Premier League games, raising questions about their title defense. Sean Dyche's side dominated with a set-piece goal, a well-worked team move, and strong defensive play led by Murillo.
In a stunning upset, Nottingham Forest beat Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield on November 23, 2025, handing the defending Premier League champions a humiliating home defeat. The result leaves Liverpool struggling in the bottom half of the table, with Arne Slot's team having lost six of their last seven league matches. Sources highlight that Slot, who guided Liverpool to the title last season, is facing unprecedented adversity, having already surpassed his previous seasonal loss totals in just 12 games.
Forest's victory was built on defensive solidity and clinical finishing. Murillo, the Nottingham Forest defender, was exceptional, scoring one goal and anchoring a backline that secured a clean sheet—their first in the Premier League since August. The goals came from a set-piece, a well-worked move involving the league's top attacking full-back, and a deserved third that sealed the win. As Sean Dyche noted, his mantra of 'put the ball in that end, stop it going in that end' permeated the team, with Forest matching Liverpool's shots in the second half and introducing an attacking substitute to extend their lead.
Liverpool's problems run deeper than Slot's tactics, according to analyses. The team lacked intensity, made poor decisions, and showed a diminished defensive desire. Specific lapses included Alexis Mac Allister allowing Nico Williams to pass for a goal and Andy Robertson failing to challenge a runner for another. Off-field issues include questionable signings like Alexander Isak, who is seen as imbalanced alongside Mohamed Salah due to minimal defensive contribution, and Florian Wirtz, who has shown silky skills but lacks end product. The midfield feels congested, with calls for support around Dominik Szoboszlai and upgrades for Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, and Wataru Endo. Ryan Gravenberch, transformed by Slot last season, now appears muddled in a chaotic setup.
Despite the frustration, some observers urge patience, noting Slot's proven success and a strong squad base from Jurgen Klopp's era. However, with Liverpool trailing leaders Arsenal by 11 points, the pressure mounts. Dyche outperformed Slot with a 'wonderful gameplan' that could have led to an even larger margin. This defeat underscores Liverpool's decline, contrasting sharply with their title-winning campaign.
