Liverpool battle Nottingham Forest in Premier League opener at Anfield

August 29, 2026 3 Min Read

By Arjun Verma — 29 August 2026 — 3 min read

Anfield hosts Premier League clash

Liverpool faced Nottingham Forest in their opening Premier League fixture at Anfield. The home side, under head coach Andoni Iraola, sought a winning start to their 2026-27 home matches. Iraola had previously emphasised the importance of connection with the fans, stating that players should demonstrate the same commitment and energy on the pitch that supporters would if they were playing.

Before the match, Forest fans paid respects by laying flowers at the Hillsborough memorial. The teams entered the pitch to the sound of “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” with Liverpool principal owner John Henry and vice-chairman Amit Bhatia in attendance.

First-half action and key moments

Forest started the game confidently, maintaining possession in the initial minutes. The match quickly became open, with both teams showing early attacking intent. A long pass from Virgil van Dijk nearly released Isak for Liverpool, but Cunha defended well. Soon after, Mac Allister delivered a defence-splitting pass to Isak, who was unable to get a shot off.

Forest continued to press, with Aina crossing for Ndoye, whose header set up Jesus, but Jacquet blocked the shot for a corner. Munoz also attempted a curling shot that was blocked. In the 19th minute, McAtee crossed to Ndoye, whose header went just wide of Alisson‘s post, indicating Forest’s growing threat.

Forest broke the deadlock when Sels launched a long ball, which Jesus won and laid off to Gibbs-White. The ball was then fed to Ndoye, who scored with a finish into the bottom right corner, leaving Alisson with no chance. Following the goal, Liverpool attempted to respond, with Szoboszlai and Kerkez combining, but Kerkez’s cross was cleared.

Liverpool’s frustration grew as Forest maintained a low block, making it difficult for the home side to enter the final third. Gakpo crossed from the right, and Wirtz headed goalwards, but Sels made a spectacular tip over the bar. Liverpool then had a penalty shout when Munoz went down in the box after contact from Cunha, but no penalty was awarded.

A period of sustained possession for Liverpool in the Forest half did not yield a clear chance. In the 45th minute, Gakpo nutmegged Williams and cut back for Szoboszlai, who dummied for Isak. Munoz then took a touch and curled a powerful shot that went inches wide and high, marking Liverpool’s closest attempt of the half, aside from a disallowed goal.

In added time, Aina cut past Munoz and set up Jesus, whose powerful shot from the penalty spot was astonishingly saved by Alisson, who turned the ball onto the crossbar and out for a corner. The first half concluded with Frimpong being shoved by Ndoye, leading to a parried shot from Alisson and a whistle for a foul.

inline gn 1316c9bbf788 img 1 — Credit: liverpoolfc.com

The match saw several key players involved, including Frimpong, who was noted as Liverpool’s most lively player in the first half despite being dispossessed on one occasion. Other notable contributions came from Mac Allister, Ndoye, Jesus, and goalkeepers Alisson and Sels, who both made crucial interventions during the intense first half.