Liverpool suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday as Taiwo Awoniyi scored the only goal of the game – and Jermaine Jenas has thrown criticism in the way of Virgil van Dijk, during the loss while commentating.
Coming into the game, Liverpool would have been in high spirits after three straight wins. Following the defeat by Arsenal, Jurgen Klopp had watched his side smash Rangers 7-1 – and then beat West Ham and Manchester City 1-0.
But on Saturday, they were largely uneffective. Steve Cooper has got his Forest side improving every game they play. A couple of draws against Aston Villa and Brighton stopped the rot. But with Liverpool in town, they were underdogs.
With the scoreline reading 0-0, van Dijk had a wonderful chance to put the Reds ahead. Getting on the end of a free-kick inside the six-yard box, with only Dean Henderson to beat, he tried to square to Roberto Firmino. Jenas reacted.
“The first time I saw it, I actually thought he didn’t mean to head it there – like he mistimed it. But he’s actually tried to square it for Firmino. Shocking decision,” Jenas said, during his role as a co-commentator on BT Sport on Saturday.
Jenas criticism of van Dijk during Liverpool loss to Forest
Just to rub salt in the wounds of Liverpool and Klopp, it was a player they decided to sell last summer. Awoniyi, a player that starred for German club Union Berlin last season, got the all-important goal in a historic win for Forest.
Liverpool looked to have turned the corner. A brilliant win over Manchester City, and a good-defensive performance to hold on to a win over West Ham. Maybe, Liverpool took the foot off the gas at Forest, hoping they were back in form.
But if they are to even repair their start to the season and finish in the top four, so much more is expected, and needed. Players like van Dijk need to get back to their best. Taking chances like the Netherlands man had, is imperative.
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