When Nottingham Forest marched into Anfield Stadium on November 22, 2025, few expected them to leave with a 3-0 win. But that’s exactly what happened — a result so seismic it rewrites the narrative of the 2025/2026 Premier League season. Liverpool, reigning champions just twelve months ago, were humiliated in front of their own fans, their title defense officially dead. Goals from Murillo, Nicolò Savona, and Morgan Gibbs-White turned Anfield into a silent graveyard of dreams. This wasn’t just a loss. It was a collapse. And it’s only the latest chapter in a season that’s spiraled beyond repair.
The Anfield Curse Returns
For half a century, Nottingham Forest couldn’t win at Anfield. Not in the league. Not in the cup. Not even in a friendly. That changed last season when Callum Hudson-Odoi scored the only goal in a 1-0 win — their first away victory at Anfield since 1975. And now? They’ve done it again. Two straight wins. Two straight humiliations for the kings of Anfield. The stats are brutal: Liverpool had gone 25 consecutive Premier League matches against Forest without defeat before last year. Now? They’ve lost two in a row. And the visitors didn’t just hang on — they attacked with precision, pace, and purpose.
How the Goals Broke Liverpool’s Spirit
The first goal came in the 32nd minute. Murillo, Forest’s center-back, rose unmarked at the back post after a quick corner routine. No one tracked him. No one even looked. The ball sailed over the defense like it was meant to be there. “Just moved the ball a bit quicker. Suddenly spaces arise,” said NBC Sports. And just like that, the atmosphere changed. Anfield didn’t boo — it held its breath.
Then came the second. Forty seconds into the second half. Nicolò Savona intercepted a lazy pass from Liverpool’s midfield, turned, and fired low past Alisson Becker. The goal was so sudden, so clinical, it felt like a punch to the gut. No celebration. Just silence. Then, in the 68th minute, Morgan Gibbs-White — now scoring in three straight league games for the first time — finished off a counterattack with a cool left-footed strike. Three goals. Three different scorers. Zero response from Liverpool.
Arne Slot’s Crisis Deepens
Manager Arne Slot has been under pressure since the start of the season. But this? This is the moment where the questions stop being about tactics and start being about leadership. Six defeats in seven Premier League games. Eight points behind leaders Arsenal. And now, according to ESPN FC, Liverpool sit just one point ahead of Sunderland in the battle for a Europa Conference League spot. That’s not a fall from grace — it’s a freefall.
“And I don’t know if it’s one thing or if it’s a culmination of various things,” said an ESPN analyst. The answer? It’s everything. The midfield lacks control. The defense is brittle. The forwards look lost. The fans, once deafening, now whisper. Slot’s pressing system, once so effective, now looks predictable. And the players? They seem to have stopped believing.
Forest’s Rise: Discipline Over Destiny
Don’t let the label “relegation-threatened” fool you. Nottingham Forest aren’t lucky. They’re coached by Nuno Espírito Santo, a man who thrives in chaos. His side didn’t just defend well — they attacked with structure. They pressed high. They switched play with speed. They exploited the gaps Liverpool left behind. And they didn’t panic when the crowd roared. That’s elite mentality.
“Anfield holds no fear for Forest,” said NBC Sports. And it’s true. The visitors didn’t just win — they owned the game. For the second year running, they’ve turned the biggest stage in English football into their own personal stage. And they’ve done it with a squad that costs less than Liverpool’s starting XI.
What’s Next? A Season in Freefall
For Liverpool, the next six weeks are a nightmare. They face Manchester City next, then Chelsea, then a Champions League clash with Real Madrid. Their confidence is shattered. Their momentum? Gone. The club’s hierarchy now faces a brutal choice: fire Slot now, or wait until January and risk a complete implosion.
For Nottingham Forest, the future looks brighter. Up next: Malmö in Europe, then Brighton, Wolves, and Everton. If they can keep this form, they’re not just safe — they’re top-half material. And if they beat Malmö? They’ll be in the Europa League knockout rounds. The underdogs are now the ones chasing glory.
The Bigger Picture: A League Turned Upside Down
This result isn’t just about two teams. It’s about how fragile dominance can be. Last year, Liverpool were the model of consistency. This year? They’re the cautionary tale. Meanwhile, clubs like Forest — once written off as also-rans — are showing that intelligence, discipline, and belief can overcome even the most entrenched hierarchies.
The Premier League is no longer just about money. It’s about mindset. And right now, Nottingham Forest have more of it than Liverpool.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Nottingham Forest manage to beat Liverpool twice in a row at Anfield?
Forest’s success stems from Nuno Espírito Santo’s disciplined, high-pressing system that exploits Liverpool’s defensive gaps. They’ve improved their transition speed and set-piece execution, while Liverpool’s midfield has lost cohesion. Their 2024/25 win ended a 50-year winless streak at Anfield — this year’s victory proves it wasn’t a fluke.
Is Arne Slot likely to be sacked after this loss?
The pressure is immense. Six losses in seven games, a collapse from champions to near-relegation candidates, and a 3-0 home defeat to a team once considered inferior make his position untenable. While Liverpool’s board may wait until January for a replacement, fan unrest and media scrutiny are growing daily — a dismissal before the winter break is now highly probable.
What does this mean for Liverpool’s chances of qualifying for European competition?
Liverpool are now just one point ahead of Sunderland in the race for a Europa Conference League spot. With 11 games left and only 17 points from 14 matches, they’re in danger of missing Europe entirely. Even finishing 7th — their best-case scenario — would require winning nearly every remaining game, which seems unlikely given their current form and morale.
Why is Morgan Gibbs-White’s performance significant?
Gibbs-White has now scored in three consecutive Premier League matches — the first time in his career. His goal against Liverpool was his 6th of the season, making him Forest’s top scorer. More importantly, he’s become their most reliable attacker in transition, turning defensive errors into lethal counters. His rise symbolizes Forest’s transformation from underdogs to dangerous contenders.
How does this result compare to Liverpool’s historical performances at Anfield?
This 3-0 loss equals Liverpool’s heaviest home defeat in the Premier League era. It’s their first three-goal home loss since 2018, and the first time they’ve conceded three without reply at Anfield in a league game since 2016. Historically, Anfield was a fortress — now, it’s a liability. The psychological shift is as damaging as the points lost.
What’s next for Nottingham Forest in European competition?
Forest face Malmö in the Europa League round of 32. A win would send them to the knockout stages for the first time since 1999. With their confidence sky-high and tactical discipline intact, they’re no longer just a cup surprise — they’re genuine contenders. A deep run could reshape their entire financial and sporting future.
