Liverpool’s nightmare afternoon at Anfield drew a blunt reaction from former England captain Wayne Rooney, who slammed Arne Slot’s struggling side after their humiliating 3-0 loss to relegation-battling Nottingham Forest. Before the international break, the Reds were beaten 3-0 by Manchester City — a damaging result, but one still understandable given City’s title challenge.
This latest setback, however, came against a Forest team that has already sacked a manager this season and sits in the lower half of the table — and it happened at Anfield, a ground long viewed as Liverpool’s fortress.
Rooney hails Forest’s fight, blasts Liverpool’s lack of answers
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Rooney applauded Forest’s organisation and determination, insisting Liverpool were second best all over the pitch. The former Manchester United forward highlighted how Dyche’s side showed the hunger and structure of a team desperate to survive — qualities Liverpool completely lacked.
Rooney said:
“Forest were excellent defensively. Very organised, throwing themselves into challenges — exactly what you expect from a Sean Dyche team. They were dangerous on the break too and caused Liverpool real issues.
“Liverpool had a few early chances and Anderson made some top blocks, but after Forest scored, Liverpool looked out of ideas. Forest were comfortable.”
Slot under growing pressure as Liverpool slump deepens
The defeat — Liverpool’s sixth in seven league matches — has intensified scrutiny on Arne Slot, with supporters increasingly doubting his approach. Forest, meanwhile, delivered one of their best displays of the season, with Murillo, Savona and Morgan Gibbs-White all finding the net in a shock result.
Now eight points behind leaders Arsenal, Liverpool face a critical moment in Slot’s reign. As Rooney pointed out, the concern isn’t just the losses — it’s that the team seems to be losing its identity.
Virgil van Dijk points finger at specific weakness after Liverpool’s defeat to Nottingham Forest
