Liverpool trail Nottingham Forest at Anfield after Dan Ndoye’s composed finish sparked sharp criticism of Jeremie Frimpong.
The goal arrived in the 24th minute. Matz Sels launched a long ball that Igor Jesus won, the Brazilian then linking with Morgan Gibbs-White. The ball eventually found Ndoye on the left; the Swiss forward opened his body and curled a neat finish into the bottom corner.
Frimpong, starting at right-back, quickly became the main target for supporters’ frustration. Many felt he was too far from the action as Forest broke forward.
Reaction on social media was immediate and blunt:
- @LFC_Lucas_: “Where is Frimpong?”
- @Iestyn43005: “The club doesn’t think we need a right back, though.”
- @_1regularbeing: “Terrible at defending. Horrendous in attacking.”
- @LogicHUBX: “This is awful, Frimpong isn’t good enough, midfield is all over the place. No intensity whatsoever.”
- @Rimbeux: “Not even in frame.”
While Frimpong’s positioning invited scrutiny, the goal was not solely his fault. Sels’ clearance bypassed Liverpool’s midfield, Jesus and Gibbs-White combined effectively, and Ndoye still had to produce an excellent finish. The defensive structure as a whole was caught out.
Unlucky VAR denies an instant reply
Frimpong almost provided the perfect response minutes later. He pounced on a loose ball and set up Florian Wirtz, who slotted home what looked like the equaliser. VAR intervened, however, ruling the goal out for offside by the narrowest of margins — replays showed Frimpong’s ankle was fractionally ahead of Ola Aina when he recovered possession.
A tight call that left Anfield frustrated and Liverpool still searching for a way back into the contest.
