The recent Premier League clash saw Liverpool suffer a shocking 3-0 defeat to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest at Anfield, a result that has deepened an unexpected crisis for the Reds following their dominant previous season. This match was notable not only for Liverpool's poor performance but also for the controversial Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decisions that continue to fuel weekly debate in the league.

One major incident occurred in the 33rd minute when Forest defender Murillo scored the opening goal. The goal was immediately subject to a VAR check for a possible offside by Dan Ndoye, who was positioned in the goal area and could potentially impact an opponent. Despite Ndoye being in an offside position, the VAR, James Bell, confirmed the on-field decision to allow the goal. This determination was based on the protocol that Ndoye was neither in the line of vision of Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker nor did he make an obvious action that impacted his opponent. Former Select Group referee Andy Davies, who offers unique insight into VAR processes, highlighted the on-field communication between referee Andrew Madley and his assistant as crucial in this review. This incident drew comparisons to a similar situation involving Liverpool and Manchester City earlier in the month, suggesting that PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) had undertaken discussions around game expectations. Davies, from his expert perspective, questioned if Forest might have intentionally designed a set-piece situation to gain a marginal advantage, though he ultimately concurred that the correct outcome was reached.

Moments later, in the 35th minute, Nottingham Forest had a second goal disallowed for a handball offence by Igor Jesus. During a challenge with Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté in the penalty area, Konaté played the ball against Jesus' body, and the striker subsequently scored. However, referee Madley felt the ball had struck Jesus' arm directly before he placed it past Alisson and consequently disallowed the goal. The VAR, James Bell, reviewed the footage and confirmed the on-field decision, agreeing with Madley's original ruling. For Bell to intervene and recommend an on-field review, he would have needed definitive evidence that the ball did not strike Jesus' arm, thus proving a clear error by Madley, which was not available. While this decision will certainly create debate and Forest may feel slightly unfortunate, the Law states: "It is an offence if a player scores in the opponents' goal; - Directly from their hand / arm, even if accidental - Immediately after the ball has touched their hand / arm, even if accidental." Madley's on-field decision was considered brave, given his potentially obscured view, but the ball's trajectory and Jesus' body shape provided strong clues. From a VAR perspective, Bell had limited footage and no evidence to disagree, leading to the confirmation of the accidental handball decision. Although it might feel like an unfair outcome to neutral and Forest fans, the Law dictates the ruling.

The 3-0 defeat itself equalled Liverpool's biggest home defeat in Premier League history, having lost by the same scoreline to West Ham in 2015, and 4-1 to Chelsea (2005) and Manchester City (2021). This season, Liverpool now records six wins and six defeats, two more losses than their entire previous campaign, marking their sixth defeat in seven games. The result plunged Arne Slot's side into the bottom half of the table, now sitting 11th, and placed them eight points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, who have a game in hand. This marked the second consecutive year Nottingham Forest has beaten Liverpool at Anfield, having been the only team victorious there in the league last season. Furthermore, it was the first time since April 1965 that Liverpool had lost back-to-back league games by a margin of three or more goals. Conversely, the victory lifted Forest out of the relegation zone, from 19th to 16th. Alexander Isak also became the first Liverpool player in Premier League history to lose all of his first four starts.

The goals for Forest came from Murillo, Nicolò Savona, and Morgan Gibbs-White. Savona's goal, scored immediately after the restart, followed a run of poor defending from the home side inside the box. Despite substitutions like Hugo Ekitike and Federico Chiesa, Liverpool's disjointed team struggled to regain control against a deep-sitting Forest side looking for counterattacks. They eventually put the game out of reach when Gibbs-White finished past Alisson from a cross that found its way to him.

Individual performances reflected Liverpool's dismal day. Manager Arne Slot received a rating of 4/10, as none of his changes made any sort of impact on the game. Among the players, goalkeeper Alisson (5/10) was let down by his defense on his return to action, with little he could do about the goals conceded. Defenders Milos Kerkez (4/10), Virgil van Dijk (5/10), and especially Ibrahima Konaté (3/10) struggled significantly, with Konaté being substituted in the 55th minute after an unconvincing display against Igor Jesus. Dominik Szoboszlai (6/10) was a rare positive, performing strongly at right-back, carrying the ball forward, and linking up well. Midfielders Ryan Gravenberch (6/10), Alexis Mac Allister (6/10), and Curtis Jones (6/10) had some positive moments but couldn't sustain pressure or impact the game significantly. Forwards Cody Gakpo (6/10) was the brightest player in the first half but allowed Savona to sneak ahead for Forest's second goal, while Alexander Isak (3/10) had an anonymous display and was substituted. Mohamed Salah (5/10) struggled with his final touch and was quiet after the restart. The team as a whole struggled with Forest's physical approach, were weak against set pieces and second balls, and failed to create many chances after Alexis Mac Allister's early effort was blocked.

The match underscored Liverpool's current struggles, with the team failing to gel despite significant transfer spending, leaving fans and pundits alike questioning the direction and tactical approach under Arne Slot amidst ongoing VAR controversies.