Having watched Tottenham and Arsenal win in the previous two days, it was imperative that Liverpool kept pace with the early frontrunners in this season’s title race. And it did just that against Nottingham Forest.
In a 3-0 win at Anfield, the Reds dominated from the start, barely giving their opponent a sniff until the game had already long gone. Goals from Diogo Jota, Darwin Núñez and Mohamed Salah gave them a thoroughly deserved victory.
Compared to last season’s showings against the same opponent, it was practically night and day. Having suffered defeat at the City Ground, Liverpool had to rely on Mohamed Salah to rescue it in a narrow 3-2 defeat later on in the campaign — there were no such concerns here though.
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With the victory, Liverpool has furthered its own claim as a title contender this season, sitting as it is just three points off leaders Spurs. Perhaps even more encouragingly for Jürgen Klopp, his new-look side — which he has dubbed Liverpool 2.0 — well and truly seems to have found its feet. Here's what Liverpool.com learned and what you might have missed.
One thing we learned
Alexis Mac Allister looks to be growing into his role as a number six. The Argentine produced perhaps his best performance in the position against Forest, further backing up why Klopp has been playing him there this season.
“It is obviously not really a discussion we have, otherwise we wouldn’t play him there, obviously,” he told reporters after the game (via the ECHO). “I think today everybody could see the benefit of a player who comes rather from the offensive side of the game than from the other side.
“In a game where you have to create things, where you have to pass, where you have to switch sides. That’s how it is then.
![Mohamed Salah and Alexis Mac Allister celebrate during Liverpool's win over Nottingham Forest](https://i2-prod.liverpool.com/incoming/article28007399.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_GettyImages-1752737008.jpg)
“Not all the balls reach the target, but if you try something in tight spaces, that’s completely normal. I have no problem at all with losing balls around the box because that’s where we should be then for counter-press.
“I’m really pleased for him. And a lot of top defensive moments. Really built the counter, stuff like this. Was really there.”
Liverpool might well need that advantage over the next couple of games against Luton and Brentford. But with Mac Allister now walking a tightrope, with another yellow card resulting in a suspension, and Man City just around the corner, Klopp might still have a decision to make on the 24-year-old.
Biggest takeaway
Dominik Szoboszlai is absolutely outstanding. But you knew that already.
If there was any doubt about who Liverpool’s signing of the summer was, there can’t be anymore. The Hungarian has been sensational so far for the Reds, and against Forest he was at his very best.
He was absolutely everywhere on the pitch, making runs and linking up with Mohamed Salah in order to try and break down a stubborn opponent. You could certainly imagine Liverpool not going in at half-time with a 2-0 lead last season without Szoboszlai in the side.
Not only that, but he added the one thing his performances have been missing so far. He notched up his first assist as he laid the second goal on a plate for Darwin Núñez, before adding a second after the break, albeit with a healthy slice of luck thanks to some questionable goalkeeping from Mat Turner.
Still, the chance presented itself thanks to Szoboszlai’s quick thinking. Further proof, if it were needed, that Liverpool has a real gem on its hands.
A moment you might have missed
You will have no doubt seen Diogo Jota’s touching tribute to Luis Díaz after scoring the opener. The Portuguese held aloft his teammate’s shirt for the Anfield crowd, with the Colombian missing the game as he deals with a worrying family matter back home.
What you might have missed though is Díaz’s response to the gesture. After Liverpool posted a picture of Jota holding his shirt on Instagram, the 26-year-old replied with two emojis — one showing a love heart, and the other with arms raised.
It of course goes without saying that we wish Díaz all the best, and hope that his family remains safe. Fingers crossed we get to see him back in action soon.