Liverpool manager Arne Slot took full accountability for the team’s disappointing 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, marking their sixth loss in seven league matches and equaling their worst-ever Premier League loss at Anfield.
Goals from Murillo, Nicolò Savona, and Morgan Gibbs-White enabled Forest to celebrate their largest victory at Anfield, representing Liverpool’s heaviest home defeat since their 4-1 loss to Manchester City in 2021.
Only Chelsea and West Ham have previously managed to achieve a three-goal victory at Anfield during the Premier League era.
“Assessing just how bad it was is challenging, but it was indeed very bad. Losing 3-0 at home, regardless of the opponent, is a terrible result,” Slot stated.
“I want to stress that I am accountable for our current defeats. When you win, you take credit, and when you lose, you must also bear the responsibility,” he continued.
“I can’t offer excuses for our poor results, which are simply unacceptable, and I take responsibility for that.”
This loss has pushed Liverpool down to 11th place in the table, and should Everton succeed in their match against Manchester United on Monday, their city rivals would then leapfrog Liverpool in the standings.
Nevertheless, Slot is adamant that he will rectify the team’s recent streak of eight defeats out of 11 matches across all competitions.
“There is definitely a path to recovery, especially considering the talented players we have on the team,” he asserted.
“Whether you win or lose, reflecting on your lineup and substitutions leads you to think about improvements and adjustments, but that doesn’t equate to self-doubt.”
“In my view, we had a solid start. We created a lot in the first half-hour, perhaps more than we have all season. Unfortunately, the first time they entered our box, they scored.”
“It’s a tough situation when you squander your own opportunities and concede every time they attack.”
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Forest manager Sean Dyche, who has achieved three wins and two draws in six matches since taking over from Ange Postecoglou, relished the club’s second consecutive victory at Anfield but stressed the need for this to serve as a baseline for future improvement.
“Last season, this club used a similar victory to propel themselves forward. Of course, it’s enjoyable for the fans and players alike, but we must keep pushing,” he remarked.
“While we’ve not solved everything, this is a significant milestone. The hard work and focus on the fundamentals of the game were commendable. I think we tactically adapted well, and that goes to the credit of the players.”