Virgil van Dijk highlights major flaw after Liverpool’s loss to Nottingham Forest
Liverpool slumped to a shock 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest at Anfield, their sixth defeat in seven Premier League outings – another alarming display for Arne Slot and supporters alike. At no point did the reigning champions look capable of taking control.
Despite fielding an attacking trio of Alexander Isak, Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo, the Reds looked blunt going forward. At the other end, Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk both endured difficult afternoons, surprisingly so against a Forest frontline that has struggled for most of the season.
Van Dijk unhappy with Liverpool’s defending
Speaking after the match, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk vented his frustration over the team’s soft defending and the costly errors that continue to plague them. His comments, relayed by Fabrizio Romano, made his feelings clear:
> “We are in a very difficult moment. We have to get out of it. We all take responsibility.
We concede too many easy goals. They scored from a set piece again. But we were not good. In the battles, the second balls.”
Van Dijk’s disappointment echoes the concerns of fans who have watched Liverpool’s early-season momentum disappear. The same defensive vulnerabilities that surfaced at the end of the Klopp era have resurfaced – sloppy set-piece marking, losing duels and a lack of organisation under pressure.
Van Dijk’s form also under scrutiny
The Dutch defender, who hasn’t been at his best this season, stressed that the issues are down to the entire team, not just individuals. While the squad is desperate to rediscover intensity and structure, it currently feels a long way off.
Injuries haven’t helped either – with Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley unavailable against Forest – but Konaté’s form is becoming an especially serious worry. The Frenchman was substituted in the second half after another shaky display, yet Liverpool still conceded again.
Slot pulls no punches
Arne Slot later admitted that Liverpool’s approach and execution “didn’t really work out”, summing up another damaging afternoon for the champions.