Liverpool’s difficult season hit another low as Nottingham Forest claimed a convincing win at Anfield.
The defending champions were hoping to respond after a heavy loss to Manchester City, but Forest, now under Sean Dyche, proved too organised and direct.
Arne Slot handed record signing Alexander Isak another start, but the striker again struggled and was withdrawn after 67 minutes.
Forest took the lead in the 33rd minute when Murillo drove a shot past Alisson, silencing an already tense home crowd.
A second from Igor Jesus was ruled out for handball, but Forest doubled their lead less than a minute into the second half through Nicola Savona, who finished a pass from former Liverpool defender Neco Williams.
Liverpool rarely threatened as Forest continued to press, and the visitors added a third when Morgan Gibbs-White scored after Alisson kept out Omari Hutchinson’s first effort.
The result leaves Liverpool 11th and with six losses in seven league games, adding pressure on Slot after a major summer outlay.
Isak’s quiet outing summed up Liverpool’s wider issues, with the forward barely involved before his substitution.
Mohamed Salah tried to lift the team but received little support, as Liverpool’s drop in performance levels from last season remained clear.
Slot made further attacking changes, including bringing on Hugo Ekitike for defender Ibrahima Konate, but the shift did little to change the flow of the game.
Forest, meanwhile, continued their steady rise, moving up to 16th and building on recent results against Leeds United and Manchester United.
Dyche’s influence was visible throughout, with Forest compact, disciplined and sharp in transition.
Murillo, Sangare, Anderson and Gibbs-White all played key roles as Forest controlled long spells and kept Liverpool contained in a subdued Anfield.
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