Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola expressed his frustration after being unable to make substitutions just before Nottingham Forest received a pivotal penalty during Saturday’s match at Anfield.
The Reds, needing to rally after falling behind, managed to earn a 2-2 draw for the second consecutive week in the Premier League after Forest took the lead again with a penalty from Morgan Gibbs-White in the 70th minute.
Referee Sam Barrott awarded the penalty after Neco Williams found himself taken down by goalkeeper Alisson Becker following a quick throw-in from Liam Delap.
Iraola was ready to make substitutions at that moment, but due to apparent technical issues with the fourth official, play continued without interruption.
Still seeking his first victory at the helm, Iraola stated: “I don’t have an explanation. I wanted to make those substitutions about three minutes earlier.”
“There were several moments when the ball went out, and I still don’t know why the substitutions didn’t happen.”
“He was definitely experiencing problems with the board or something. Play should have stopped because I wanted to substitute players, but it didn’t occur.”
“There was a quick throw-in because we were waiting to make the substitutions. I requested the subs and voiced my concerns when the ball went out previously, and even the supporters were urging for it. Everyone was aware of the situation, but I have no idea why it didn’t happen.”
“As for the penalty, I’ll let you decide if it was warranted or not.”
Víctor Muñoz, who made his home debut after joining from Osasuna, salvaged a point for Liverpool with an equalizer in the 82nd minute.
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Liverpool had previously responded to Dan Ndoye’s opener in the first half with a 60th-minute equalizer from Alexander Isak.
This draw left Iraola’s team with just two points from their opening two matches after last week’s draw against Newcastle.
Iraola remarked: “It was clear that our first half was poor. We didn’t perform well, we failed to control the game.”
“In the second half, we significantly improved—our intensity increased, we were quicker on the ball, had a greater sense of urgency, and overall performed better. However, it wasn’t enough to secure a win, and we must take responsibility for the first half.”
“I am disappointed because we want to win, especially at home.”
Forest manager Oliver Glasner, also in search of his first victory with the club, expressed mixed emotions regarding the outcome.
He commented: “Yes, it’s a blend of emotions. Everyone shares the sentiment.”
“We take pride in our performance, the chances we created, and scoring two goals, yet we are frustrated and disappointed with the result.”
“It could and perhaps should have been a win, but from the 60-65 minute mark, our defending faltered compared to how solid it had been earlier.”