Liverpool crushed 3-0 by Nottingham Forest at Anfield in stunning Premier League upset

When Liverpool Football Club lost 3-0 to Nottingham Forest Football Club at Anfield Stadium on Saturday, November 22, 2025, it wasn’t just a bad day — it was a collapse. The reigning Premier League champions, who lifted the trophy just 12 months ago, now sit eighth, five points off the top four, and staring down a season that’s unraveling before their fans’ eyes. The final whistle at 90'+5' didn’t just end a match; it exposed cracks in a team that once looked untouchable. And the kicker? They lost to a side sitting just above the relegation zone.

A Night to Forget at Anfield

It started quietly enough. Mohamed Salah, still Liverpool’s talisman, danced through Forest’s defense early, but his shot was blocked by a last-ditch tackle from Djed Spence. Alisson Becker, the veteran goalkeeper, looked uneasy from the first whistle — and it wasn’t just him. The entire backline looked out of sync, as if they’d forgotten how to defend in front of their own fans. Then, at the 33rd minute, it happened. Elliot Anderson, Nottingham Forest’s 21-year-old midfielder, slipped a through ball to Marillo — likely Marlos Moreno, though sources differ — who calmly slotted it past Alisson. Anfield fell silent. It was the first time Forest had scored at Anfield in two years… and now they’d done it again.

Halftime came with Liverpool trailing 1-0. No one expected what came next.

The Second Half: A Collapse in Real Time

Forty seconds into the second half, Nottingham Forest doubled their lead. Nicolo Savona, a 23-year-old forward who’d scored just once in the league all season, received a pass on the edge of the box, feinted left, then curled a side-footed shot into the top corner. The goal was so clean, so clinical, it felt like a statement. Savona’s second goal of the campaign — and Forest’s second of the afternoon — sent the traveling fans into a frenzy. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s attack looked lost. Federico Chiesa, brought in as a spark, was isolated and ineffective. Salah, usually unstoppable, was being smothered by a compact Forest midfield.

At the 86th minute, the final blow landed. Conflicting reports emerged — some YouTube highlights credited Amari Hutchinson, others pointed to Morgan Gibbs White. But the outcome was undeniable: a low, driven right-footed strike from inside the box, past Alisson, sealed the result. Gibbs White, according to NBC Sports, became the first Forest player in 15 years to score in three straight league games. Hutchinson, meanwhile, had just completed his most influential performance in a Forest shirt. Either way, the goal wasn’t a fluke. It was the culmination of a masterclass in counterattacking football.

Who’s to Blame? The Numbers Don’t Lie

Liverpool’s league position tells the story: 8th, 18 points from 12 games, -2 goal difference. Six wins, six losses. No draws. No consistency. They’ve lost to teams like Burnley, Leeds, and now Nottingham Forest — all sides that were expected to struggle. Meanwhile, Forest, once pegged as relegation candidates, sit at 13th with 12 points — still in danger, but now breathing easier. Their defensive structure, led by captain Djed Spence and goalkeeper Matz Sels, held firm. They didn’t just survive — they attacked with purpose.

What’s more alarming? Liverpool’s xG (expected goals) for the match was 0.8. Forest’s? 2.1. The stats confirm what the eyes saw: Liverpool didn’t just lose. They were outplayed, outthought, and outclassed.

The Rise of Sean Dyche

Behind Forest’s resurgence is Sean Dyche. The 53-year-old manager, known for his no-nonsense, high-intensity style, returned to Merseyside — the region where he once managed Burnley — and delivered his most stunning result yet. His team didn’t just defend well; they pressed with discipline, transitioned quickly, and punished every mistake. "They’re not just surviving," said one Premier League analyst on BBC Radio 5 Live. "They’re playing with a belief that’s been missing from this league for months. And Liverpool? They look like a team that’s lost its way."

Dyche’s tactical adjustments — switching to a 4-2-3-1 in the 60th minute to overload the midfield — turned the game. He didn’t just beat Liverpool. He dismantled them.

What Happens Now?

Liverpool’s next match is against Tottenham on December 1 — a must-win if they’re to stay in the top four race. But the pressure isn’t just on the pitch. Reports suggest the club’s board is already reviewing their coaching structure. Jurgen Klopp’s successor, Arne Slot, was brought in to build on the past, but the team’s identity has vanished. Where’s the gegenpress? Where’s the relentless energy? Where’s the rhythm?

Meanwhile, Forest’s players are celebrating. Savona’s goal was his first in 14 months. Gibbs White’s streak is historic. And Dyche? He’s now being mentioned as a candidate for Manager of the Year. The narrative has flipped: the title winners are in freefall. The underdogs are rising.

Historical Echoes

This isn’t the first time a champion has fallen so hard. In 2015, Manchester United — reigning champions — finished seventh. In 2005, Arsenal lost their crown and didn’t win it again for a decade. But Liverpool’s fall is unique: they were the most dominant team in Europe last season. Now, they’re losing to teams that barely scrape by.

What’s different this time? The squad’s depth is thin. Key players like Virgil van Dijk are injured. The midfield lacks control. And the transfer window brought no clear answers. They spent £150 million, but the pieces don’t fit.