Liverpool were forced to fight back from behind for the second consecutive match under new head coach Andoni Iraola, salvaging a 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest at Anfield after trailing for large periods of an uneven contest.
The result means Iraola's opening two games in charge have both ended in 2-2 draws, following a similar comeback at Newcastle last weekend. It also leaves Forest's Oliver Glasner still searching for his first win since taking over, despite what he felt was a performance worthy of victory.
Forest took control through a rapid breakaway, with goalkeeper Matz Sels launching a long kick to Igor Jesus, who combined with Morgan Gibbs-White before the ball found Dan Ndoye, who finished calmly to give the visitors the lead. Alisson then denied Forest a second when he tipped a Jesus effort onto the bar.
Liverpool responded before the break through Florian Wirtz, who set up Cody Gakpo for the equalizer after a lively spell that also saw Wirtz have a goal ruled out for offside against Jeremie Frimpong. Gakpo, whose long-term future at the club remains uncertain, delivered a valuable display in the position long occupied by Mohamed Salah.
Forest restored their advantage from the penalty spot after Alisson fouled Neco Williams following a swift throw-in move involving debutant Liam Delap, who joined the club in a record £45m switch from Chelsea. Gibbs-White converted to put the visitors back in front, continuing his growing reputation as a Liverpool nemesis.
With Iraola preparing a triple substitution — a move he later revealed would have seen Gakpo withdrawn — the throw-in that led to the penalty caught his side unprepared. The Spanish coach expressed his frustration afterward. "I wanted to make the subs about three minutes before," Iraola said. "I don't have an explanation." He suggested the fourth official's substitution board had malfunctioned at the crucial moment.
Liverpool eventually found their second equalizer deep into stoppage time. Substitute Victor Munoz, who had switched flanks after starting on the left, received a pass from Wirtz, spun and fired a shot that deflected off Murillo and beyond Sels to level the score in the 99th minute. It was another significant contribution from the £34m signing, who had also won the decisive penalty in the draw at Newcastle. Alexander Isak notched the actual equalizing goal in normal play with a tap-in, only his second Anfield goal in the Premier League, after being teed up by Gakpo.
Iraola praised the impact of Munoz, who has featured in each of his opening two matches. "Victor has been very good both games," the coach said. "Everything hasn't been perfect but he tries again and again and again and I like this from the wingers."
Despite the late reprieve, Iraola acknowledged his side's shortcomings, particularly in the first half. "The first half has been poor from our side," he admitted, though he took encouragement from the second-half response. Liverpool's high defensive line continued to look vulnerable to counter-attacks, a recurring issue in Iraola's brief tenure so far.
Glasner, meanwhile, was left to reflect on a missed opportunity despite his team's improved showing. "It could and probably should have been a win," he said. "Very proud of the performance but frustrated and disappointed about the result."
The Austrian coach also hinted at further squad activity before the transfer window closes, with Daniel Munoz expected to sign and interest reported in Harrison Armstrong. Asked about incoming and outgoing deals, Glasner said with a smile: "Definitely one, potentially two and probably three."
Based on reporting from The Independent.