Mac Allister on target as Nottingham Forest send strong message to Liverpool

Moments you may not have noticed during Saturday’s Premier League match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest

Liverpool’s successful start to the season came to an end with a shock defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon, as the team struggled to get off to a good start and conceded a 1-0 win.

The result was Arne Slott’s first defeat in his tenure as manager and Forest’s first win against Liverpool since February 1969.

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But there was a lot that went unnoticed, or unnoticed, during those 90 minutes at Anfield…

read more: ‘Congratulations Manchester City’ – National media reacts as Arne Slott receives ‘inevitable harsh’ lesson from Liverpoolread more: Federico Chiesa in doubt as Arne Slott faces Liverpool’s problems and injury blow

Yates Wine Lodge

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Forest played to the best of their fitness, particularly in the first half, but were far from formulaic, especially as was their main underdog, Ryan Yates.

Forest’s clumsy captain had already taken Andy Robertson to the ground when he took aim at Alexis Mac Allister, leaving the Argentina international needing treatment before being punched in the face in two separate incidents that drew the ire of an increasingly fired-up Anfield crowd.

Then, just before half-time, Yates had no choice but to give referee Michael Oliver a warning for wasting time.

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Jack of all trades

There were a few familiar faces in the stands at Anfield on Saturday, including Thiago Alcantara, who returned for his first game since announcing his retirement after leaving the club in the summer.

But what was less expected was the appearance of former White Stripes guitarist Jack White with his current touring band ahead of the band’s concert at the O2 Academy that afternoon.

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Given how badly Liverpool have played, he may not be in a rush to return – perhaps even an army of seven nations wouldn’t be able to bring him back.

Noo noo

Anfield may have been fairly quiet during the match, but that wasn’t the case inside the stadium after the final whistle. From the press room, the thumping bass lines and thumping kick drums gave the impression that the Forest dressing room was celebrating in style.

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However, visiting manager Nuno Espirito Santo admitted after the match: “No, it’s not on my playlist. It’s a moment to celebrate but myself and the coaching staff will start thinking (about the next game against Brighton) straight away.”

Hmm. Maybe Jack White dropped by to give us some musical tips.

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Pre-match tribute

Forest, of course, were Liverpool’s FA Cup semi-final opponents during the Hillsborough disaster in 1989, and the traveling supporters sent a powerful message of tribute to those lost in that tragedy.

A banner unfurled in front of the away seats before kick-off read: “Respect the 97, stand in solidarity with the survivors and chant against tragedy.”

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There was another poignant pre-match moment when, in honour of the recent death of Liverpool legend Ron Yates, a mosaic reading “Rowdy 5” – the centre-back’s nickname and regular shirt number – was raised high in the Kop to applause.