Liverpool secured three points in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon as they enjoyed a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at Anfield.
The deadlock was broken after the half-hour mark when Alexis Mac Allister began a move when winning possession high up the pitch, and it was finished by Diogo Jota who put away the rebound from Darwin Núñez‘s saved effort.
Liverpool doubled their lead four minutes later as Mohamed Salah played Dominik Szoboszlai into a dangerous area before the Hungary international cut the ball back for Nunez to score from close range.
The game slowed down in the second half as Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp favoured a more possession-style approach in cruise control. And any hopes that Nottingham Forest had of finding a way back into the game were further reduced when Salah scored into an empty net from a mix-up at the back from the visitors.
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Positives
Liverpool were patient in the first half before scoring their first goal and didn’t look out of control across the 90 minutes. Klopp’s side showcased their game management in the second half, and it was another glowing performance on the right flank in particular, where Salah and Szoboszlai were difficult to defend against when combining together.
Negatives
No negatives in what was a strong Liverpool performance. Klopp’s side were well worth the three points.
Manager rating
8 — Klopp’s strategy allowed Salah to get into promising positions where he was able to thrive in a playmaker role. Liverpool’s system made it difficult for Nottingham Forest to pick up players on the right flank, which allowed the likes of Szoboszlai to thrive. Klopp also ensured control in the match to prevent Forest from creating any meaningful opportunities.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best, players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Alisson, 6 — He was alert to come off his line against through balls in behind his defence, while he also impressed with his distribution when looking to help his side break quickly. A quiet game overall for the Liverpool goalkeeper, who often wasn’t called into action.
DF Kostas Tsimikas, 6 — The Greece international kept things simple on the left flank and was assured with his defending. He got forward more often in the second half and enjoyed some positive spells of link-up play with Cody Gakpo.
DF Virgil van Dijk, 7 — The Liverpool captain was calm in possession and controlled the defensive line well against Anthony Elanga who was always looking to get in behind. He defended impressively late on when the visitors looked to play with more intent.
DF Ibrahima Konaté, 7 — Astute defending from the France international saw him in the right positions to stop attacks and he blocked a cross from getting into a dangerous area close to the break.
DF Trent Alexander-Arnold, 6 — The 25-year-old impressed when linking up on the right with Salah and Szoboszlai and it was a performance where he always looked to make something happen on the ball. He didn’t make the most of a free-kick in the first half that hit the wall but was otherwise solid.
MF Alexis Mac Allister, 7 — He continues to shine in a deeper midfield role and won the ball back on a number of occasions in dangerous areas — including for the Liverpool attack that broke the deadlock.
MF Ryan Gravenberch, 6 — An intelligent first-half performance from Gravenberch saw him regularly look to play progressively, as well as making a number of positive runs into dangerous areas. But he was quiet after the break before being replaced by Harvey Elliott.
