It wasn’t just a win. It was a statement. Nottingham Forest walked into Anfield Stadium on November 22, 2025, and left with a 3-0 hammering of the defending Premier League champions — their first victory at Anfield in 26 league meetings. The final whistle blew at 15:00 GMT, and the silence that followed wasn’t just from the crowd. It was the sound of Liverpool’s aura cracking. For 25 straight home league games against Forest, the Reds had been untouchable. Now? They’re just another team trying to find their way.
The Shock That Shook the Premier League
Barely 40 seconds into the second half, Nottingham Forest doubled their lead — a goal so swift, so clinical, it felt like a punch to the gut. By the 67th minute, the third goal sealed it. No late drama. No controversy. Just pure, unadulterated footballing efficiency from a side many had written off as relegation fodder. Meanwhile, Liverpool Football Club, the 2024-2025 champions under head coach Arne Slot, looked disjointed, slow, and strangely passive. Their midfield, once the heartbeat of European dominance, was overrun. Their defense, led by 34-year-old captain Virgil van Dijk, looked every bit of its age.
Goalkeeper Alisson Becker, back in the starting XI after a minor fitness concern, had little chance to shine. Not because he was at fault — but because Forest’s attack, orchestrated by manager Sha Dich, simply didn’t give him one. The broadcast commentary from NBC Sports captured it best: “Fine forest finishes.” Not luck. Not fluke. Precision.
What Went Wrong for Liverpool?
Liverpool’s struggles aren’t new. After lifting the Premier League trophy last May — their 20th top-flight title — they’ve looked like a team running on fumes. The squad rotation? Too many. The pressing? Too late. The belief? Fading. Arne Slot, who led them to glory just six months ago, now faces mounting pressure. His side has dropped from summit to middle of the pack in just six months. That’s not a slump. That’s a collapse.
And it’s not just the fans who are worried. Former Manchester United defender and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville was reportedly stunned after the match, his post-game analysis on November 23 calling it “the most complete away performance I’ve seen in years.” He didn’t just praise Forest — he questioned Liverpool’s mentality. “They looked like they expected to win,” Neville said. “They didn’t look like they knew how to lose.”
The fitness updates released before the match — listing Alisson Becker, Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong, and Joe Gomez — hinted at deeper issues. Wirtz and Isak? Neither even made the bench. The squad depth that once made Liverpool unstoppable now looks paper-thin. And with two more Premier League fixture changes confirmed for January 2026, the calendar won’t offer mercy.
Nottingham Forest: A Team Reborn
For Nottingham Forest, this was more than a win. It was validation. Founded in 1865, the club hasn’t won a top-flight title since 1978 — but their two European Cups in 1979 and 1980 still echo through the stands at the City Ground. Under Sha Dich, they’re playing with a swagger not seen since the Brian Clough days. His tactical discipline, combined with a ruthless counter-attacking approach, turned Anfield into a cauldron of disbelief.
Forest’s midfield trio — young, hungry, and unafraid — dictated the tempo. Their striker, a 23-year-old loanee from Serie A, didn’t score, but he didn’t need to. He dragged defenders out of position like magnets. And when the chances came, they were taken. No hesitation. No panic. Just ice in their veins.
The Ripple Effect
This result doesn’t just change the table — it changes the narrative. Liverpool, once the favorites to retain their crown, now sit outside the top six. European qualification is slipping. The Champions League? A dream. Meanwhile, Forest, who were hovering just above the relegation zone in October, are now in the top half. They’re not just safe — they’re dangerous.
And the timing couldn’t be worse for Liverpool. With the January transfer window looming, the pressure on Slot to make moves will intensify. But where? The defense? The midfield? The attack? The problem isn’t one position — it’s the whole structure. And with no clear answers, the club’s hierarchy may face uncomfortable questions.
What’s Next?
Liverpool’s next fixture is a home clash with Chelsea on December 1, 2025 — a must-win. But confidence is low. Forest, meanwhile, travel to West Ham on December 4. A win there, and they’ll be flirting with the top four. For the first time in decades, Forest aren’t just surviving — they’re threatening.
As the final whistle echoed across Anfield, a lone Forest fan held up a sign: “26 years. One game.” It wasn’t just about this match. It was about history. About belief. About a club that refused to stay down.
Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is Nottingham Forest’s win at Anfield historically?
This was Forest’s first league win at Anfield since 1999 — ending a 25-match unbeaten run for Liverpool in home league fixtures against them. Only three teams have ever gone more than 25 league games without losing to a single opponent at Anfield — and Forest just became the latest to break that streak. It’s a rare feat in modern Premier League history.
Why did Liverpool’s defense look so vulnerable?
Liverpool’s backline, anchored by 34-year-old Virgil van Dijk, lacked pace and coordination. Forest’s quick transitions exploited the space behind Liverpool’s full-backs, who were caught high up the pitch. Van Dijk, still a world-class player, was isolated too often. The midfield offered no cover, and the back three rotated poorly under pressure.
What does this mean for Arne Slot’s future at Liverpool?
Slot’s position is under serious scrutiny. After winning the league last season, a 3-0 home loss to a team they hadn’t beaten in 26 years is a crisis. While the club hasn’t publicly commented, insiders suggest a meeting with the board is imminent. If results don’t improve before January, a managerial change becomes likely — especially with the Champions League spot slipping away.
Is Sha Dich now a top Premier League manager?
Absolutely. His tactical discipline, player management, and ability to instill belief in a historically underdog squad have turned heads. Forest have won four of their last five league games under him — including this historic result. He’s being linked with other top clubs, and his name is now mentioned alongside the likes of Arteta and De Zerbi.
Why did Liverpool sign Alisson Becker in the starting lineup despite fitness concerns?
Liverpool’s medical staff cleared Alisson after a minor groin strain, but his lack of match sharpness showed. He wasn’t at fault for any goal, but his distribution was hesitant, and he didn’t command his area as he usually does. The decision to start him suggests Slot prioritized experience over form — a gamble that backfired.
What impact does this have on the Premier League title race?
Liverpool’s defeat effectively ends their title defense. They’re now 12 points behind the leaders, and with only 18 games left, the gap is insurmountable. Meanwhile, Forest’s win propels them into the top half, making them serious contenders for European qualification. The title race is now between City, Arsenal, and United — with Forest quietly becoming the season’s biggest surprise.