Liverpool's rollercoaster season travelled another significant downslope with dreadful defeat at Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Former Anfield striker Taiwo Awoniyi scored the only goal as the Reds lost 1-0 to the Premier League strugglers. The result means Jurgen Klopp’s side have, in 11 games, already lost more times in the top-flight than they did during the whole of last season.
But there was plenty that went unnoticed or under the radar during the 90 minutes at the City Ground.
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Gomez steps back
Jurgen Klopp had plenty of reason to be annoyed with his players at Forest. And there was one instance that really prompted the ire of the Liverpool boss.
With the Reds chasing the game late on, they left themselves open to the counter-attack. And on one such Forest forward foray, Joe Gomez opted to retreat towards his own goal rather than defend on the front foot.
Klopp, standing mere yards away on the touchline, launched into an irate blast towards the centre-back, imploring Gomez to get closer to his man and make a challenge. It was that kind of afternoon.
Klopp keeps his cool
There was further reason for Klopp to become agitated after the match when he held court in the small media room at the City Ground.
Having initially been twice interrupted by a booming radio message sent to a nearby steward, the Liverpool manager then had to pause as the creakiest door in the world was opened, and later hesitated with a grimaced smile when, at the opposite end of the room, two people entered while talking and a nearby laptop started spouting strange noises.
The look on Klopp's face come the final interruption spoke volumes. In truth, the Reds boss did well to maintain his composure.
Hodge chance
Thiago Alcantara's late withdrawal from the starting line-up further exposed the lengthy injury list with which Liverpool are grappling right now.
And that was enough for one Forest legend to make a wise observation. Steve Hodge, the ex-England international midfielder, was handed the teamsheet before kick-off and needed just one quick look at who was lining up for Liverpool.
"Forest have a chance of getting something here," he proclaimed. He wasn't wrong.
Kostas amused
With some Forest supporters directing risible and disappointingly inevitable chants at the away end, it wasn't a particularly enjoyable experience for Liverpool supporters regardless of the result.
And while the home fans tried to generate an intimidating atmosphere for the away players, Kostas Tsimikas was having none of it.
As the Reds team coach was greeted with boos and jeers on arrival, Tsimikas, sat at the front, was spotted simply roaring with laughter at the reception. Having played in the Athens derby, the left-back knows a thing or two about genuinely hostile environments.
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