Liverpool F.C. Twice came from behind to salvage a 2-2 Premier League draw against Nottingham Forest at Anfield on Saturday 29 August 2026. The result leaves new manager Andoni Iraola still searching for his first league win after his side also drew at Newcastle the previous weekend.
The Reds started the match in 10th place in the Premier League with just one point from their opening game. They now have two goals scored and two conceded, leaving them with a zero goal difference. The gap to leaders Manchester City is already five points.
Nottingham Forest took the lead in the 24th minute through Dan Ndoye. A long ball from goalkeeper Matz Sels found Igor Jesus, who set up Ndoye to score. Liverpool thought they had equalised nine minutes later when Florian Wirtz found the net, but the goal was ruled out for a prior offside against Jeremie Frimpong.
The home side finally leveled the score on the hour mark. Cody Gakpo, playing on the right flank amid transfer links to Tottenham and Manchester City, provided the assist for Alexander Isak to make it 1-1. Forest regained the lead ten minutes later from the penalty spot. Alisson fouled Neco Williams, and Morgan Gibbs-White converted the spot-kick in the 70th minute.
Liverpool's second equaliser came from summer signing Victor Munoz Villanueva. Florian Wirtz provided the assist, and Munoz's 82nd-minute strike took a deflection off Forest defender Murillo on its way in. A late free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai failed to produce a winner.
A curious incident occurred just before Forest's penalty. Liverpool's planned substitutions were delayed due to an issue with the fourth official's electronic board. This administrative hiccup came during a period of pressure from the visitors. Liam Delap had taken a quick throw-in that led to the foul by Alisson on Williams.
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean, analysing the penalty decision, said: "He's knocked it over the goalkeeper and Alisson has caught him slightly. There's not much else he can do." Earlier in the match, Liverpool defender Jeremy Jacquet had made an important block in the 12th minute after a cross from Ola Aina. James McAtee also delivered a dangerous cross for Forest in the 19th minute.
The Liverpool manager gave a brief assessment after his first Premier League home game in charge. Andoni Iraola said: "Not the result you want. Two very different halves. We were poor in t" His comments were cut short. The team's performance mirrored their opening day result, leaving them with two points from two matches.
Forest manager Oliver Glasner will likely view the point as a positive one earned away from home. His team caused problems throughout, with Alisson forced into a save against Igor Jesus before half-time.
The focus now shifts to the next fixture, an away trip to face Ipswich on 4 September 2026. Ipswich currently sit 8th in the table, making it another challenging early-season test.
With the transfer window still open, speculation continues around the squad. The reported imminent arrival of Bradley Barcola for a fee of £120m could provide a boost. Fans can monitor the official squad list on our squad section. The current league standings, which show Liverpool in 10th position, are available on our standings page. Securing a first win under Iraola is now the immediate priority as they look to close the five-point gap to the top.
