Nottingham Forest picked up their first Premier League point of the season after twice taking the lead in a 2-2 draw with Liverpool at Anfield.
Dan Ndoye opened the scoring before Alexander Isak brought Liverpool level after the break. Morgan Gibbs-White then restored Forest’s advantage from the penalty spot, but Victor Munoz struck late on to leave the points shared.
It was a much better showing from Oliver Glasner’s side after their difficult opening to the season. Forest had failed to score in their first two competitive matches, but they finally found the net against one of the league’s biggest sides.
Ndoye gives Nottingham Forest a dream start
Forest didn’t need long to cause Liverpool problems.
After 25 minutes, Matz Sels’ long pass found Igor Jesus in an onside position. The forward played it across to Gibbs-White, who spotted Ndoye with plenty of room inside the Liverpool box.
The Swiss winger made no mistake. Ndoye swept the ball beyond Alisson at the Kop End to give Forest their first goal of the season.
It was almost two soon after. James McAtee put a dangerous delivery into the area and Ndoye met it with a header, but the effort bounced inches past the post.
Liverpool thought they had equalised through Florian Wirtz in the 33rd minute. The celebrations didn’t last, though, with VAR ruling that Jeremie Frimpong had been offside in the build-up.
Forest reached half-time with their lead still intact.
Liverpool came out looking for a response after the interval, and they got it on the hour.
Cody Gakpo sent a low ball across the face of goal and Isak was there to turn it in from close range.
Gibbs-White restores Forest lead before late drama
Forest responded well to conceding.
Neco Williams got forward and was brought down in the box by the onrushing Alisson. The referee awarded the penalty, giving Gibbs-White the chance to put Forest back in front.
Gibbs-White sent the ball home from 12 yards, giving the travelling Forest supporters plenty to celebrate once again.
Liverpool weren’t finished, though.
With the game moving into its final stages, the home side found another equaliser. Munoz produced the finish, with the ball flying in off the underside of the bar and leaving Sels with no chance.
That made it 2-2.
Forest had led twice at Anfield but couldn’t hold on for the win. Even so, a point at Liverpool represents a better response after the two defeats to Leeds United.
Dan Ndoye will take plenty from the afternoon as well. His goal finally got Forest off the mark for the season, while Gibbs-White contributed a goal from the penalty spot after also being involved in the build-up to the opener. Gibbs-White was a doubt for the game due to a knee issue but was started by Oliver Glasner. The England international left a mark on the game with an outstanding afternoon.
There was disappointment at the final whistle because Forest had been ahead twice. But Glasner can take plenty from the way his team responded to Liverpool’s goals.
Most importantly, Nottingham Forest are finally on the board.
A first goal has arrived. So has a first point. After the opening two games, that will feel like a step in the right direction.
