The result leaves both sides without a win from their opening two fixtures of the 2026-27 season. Liverpool sit on two points, Forest on one. Iraola, appointed in the summer following Arne Slot’s departure, the early evidence points to a side capable of recovering but still searching for the control and defensive security that defined his successful years at Bournemouth. Forest, under Oliver Glasner, produced an organised and clinical performance that continued their strong recent record at Anfield, where they had won on their previous two visits.
A simple long ball from goalkeeper Matz Sels caused problems in the Liverpool defence and Ndoye finished composedly to open the scoring. Liverpool responded with pressure, Florian Wirtz having a goal disallowed for offside involving Jeremie Frimpong, yet they struggled to create clear chances before the interval. Alisson produced an important save to deny Igor Jesus late in the first half, preventing Forest from extending their lead. Isak, limited in involvement early on, found the net in the 60th minute after Cody Gakpo turned his marker and delivered a low cross for a close-range finish. Almost immediately Forest struck again. Alisson brought down Neco Williams following a quick throw-in and Gibbs-White converted the resulting penalty.
Iraola responded with changes, introducing Kostas Tsimikas, Ryan Gravenberch and Rio Ngumoha, later adding Ronald Araujo and Trey Nyoni. The adjustments helped restore some structure, and in the 82nd minute Wirtz found Muñoz, who controlled and drove a right-footed shot that struck the crossbar on its way in. Five minutes of added time brought further Liverpool pressure but no winner.
The statistical picture underlined the uneven nature of the contest. Liverpool enjoyed around 70 per cent possession and recorded 13 shots to Forest’s 12, yet Forest generated more big chances and a higher expected goals total. Defensive transitions and set-piece vulnerability remained issues for the hosts, themes Iraola had addressed in the build-up. “Yeah, that’s the key, you said the balance,” he said earlier in the week. “Because you don’t want to lose this, the offensive side, the fluidity, the arrivals with numbers, but obviously we were punished the other day, especially in the first goal. I think we don’t do a proper lockdown.” He had also spoken of the emotional significance of his first competitive home match. “It’s definitely a special moment for me to play your first Premier League game at Anfield. I think I already felt it in pre-season. So when the competition starts for me, it’s going to be – I will be thinking of the game and the things that I need to think, but I think it’s going to be emotional and I think it has to be like this.”
Muñoz, signed from Osasuna, provided the decisive intervention after an encouraging cameo at Newcastle. His goal offered a reminder of the attacking quality Iraola is seeking to harness while the squad continues to adapt. Isak’s contribution was more limited until the equaliser, reflecting a broader difficulty in linking midfield to attack against a compact Forest side. Glasner’s team defended resolutely, transitioned effectively and exploited moments of uncertainty, traits Iraola had anticipated. “He has been very successful,” the Liverpool coach said of his counterpart. “You can see straight away the shape. They don’t concede many chances... We will have to earn every chance, win our duels, nothing is for free.”
The draw extends Liverpool’s recent struggles against Forest at home and highlights the transitional nature of the new regime. Iraola has emphasised the need for intensity and organisation while allowing players freedom in the final third, yet the early matches have shown a side still calibrating those demands. Forest, winless but competitive, will take encouragement from a performance that suggested Glasner’s methods are taking hold. Liverpool’s next assignment is away to Ipswich next Friday, where Iraola will hope the resilience shown in recovery can be matched by greater consistency and control from the outset. For now the points are shared, the questions around Liverpool’s early form remain, and the Basque coach continues his wait for a first win.
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