Tactical Analysis: Liverpool Dominance Doesn’t Deliver Against Forest | OneFootball

Nottingham Forest 1-1 Liverpool: Tactical Analysis with xfb Analytics

Two Points Dropped in Nottingham: Liverpool’s Frustrating Midweek Draw

Liverpool’s midweek clash with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground ended in a frustrating 1-1 draw. Under the bright floodlights, the Reds sought to bridge the gap in the Premier League table. Yet, despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Liverpool left the pitch with only a point to show for their efforts.

Watching the match from the comfort of my sofa, with my ever-loyal dog beside me, I found myself disheartened at halftime. The first half was painfully dull, to the point I nearly considered switching over to a wildlife documentary. It wasn’t an exhilarating watch, to say the least.

Liverpool’s Dominance and Forest’s Tactical Approach

Liverpool’s control of the match was apparent from the start. Their relentless pressing was exemplified by their remarkably low PPDA (Passes Per Defensive Action) of 5.74. By contrast, Nottingham Forest’s figure of 26 revealed a defensive, reactive approach. Forest appeared content with a draw from the first whistle, setting up in a low block that stifled Liverpool’s creativity in the early stages.

Despite Liverpool’s efforts, their shot selection in the first half left much to be desired. With an average shot distance of 19.12 metres, they resorted to long-range efforts, often failing to penetrate Forest’s defensive lines.

Forest, meanwhile, struck early through Chris Wood, capitalising on a defensive lapse. Ibrahima Konaté stepped out to challenge for the ball, leaving a gap behind him as Ryan Gravenberch momentarily covered his position. The resulting miscommunication allowed Wood to exploit the space between Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk, scoring with clinical precision.

Second Half Revival and Tactical Adjustments

The second half saw Liverpool regain their composure, thanks to tactical tweaks by manager Arne Slot. The introduction of Kostas Tsimikas and Diogo Jota added dynamism to Liverpool’s attack. It didn’t take long for the duo to make an impact—combining from a corner to level the scoreline.

The equaliser invigorated Liverpool, and they created several chances to snatch the winner. However, a combination of poor finishing and excellent goalkeeping from Nottingham’s Mats Sels kept the score level. Jota and Mohamed Salah, in particular, were denied by Forest’s resolute defence and Sels’ reflexes.

Watching the game unfold, I was torn between frustration and admiration for Liverpool’s persistence. My dog, who by now had fallen asleep, seemed unimpressed by the lack of a decisive moment.

Trent Alexander-Arnold: The Creative Spark

Trent Alexander-Arnold was, without a doubt, Liverpool’s standout player. His diagonal pass to Mohamed Salah in the second half was nothing short of sensational—a left-footed, pinpoint ball that showcased his world-class vision. Alexander-Arnold also led the team in passes into the penalty area and topped the expected threat (xT) charts for both carries and passes.

Despite his brilliance, Liverpool’s reliance on Alexander-Arnold for creativity is concerning. While his numbers were extraordinary, the lack of support from his teammates in terms of key passes or progressive actions highlighted an over-reliance on his ingenuity.

Defensive Workrate and Forest’s Resilience

Defensively, Forest’s resilience was spearheaded by former Liverpool academy graduate Neco Williams. Alongside his centre-back partners, Murillo and Milenković, Williams put in a tireless performance, leading the defensive workrate rankings.

Forest’s shot map underlined their lack of attacking ambition. Apart from Wood’s early strike, they failed to muster a single shot from within Liverpool’s penalty area for the remainder of the game. While effective on the night, such a conservative approach raises questions about their long-term sustainability in the Premier League.

A Draw, but Not Without Positives

Liverpool may have dropped two points, but their underlying numbers suggest better results are on the horizon. With a pressing system that suffocates opponents and creative sparks like Alexander-Arnold, the ingredients for success are there. However, as this match demonstrated, converting dominance into victories remains a work in progress.

As I switched off the TV, my dog gave me a look that seemed to say, “better luck next time.” A sentiment, I’m sure, shared by every Liverpool fan watching.