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Here's what you need to know from Liverpool's 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, a match that was not without its share of VAR controversy.
Liverpool's golden opportunity: The Reds' best chance to get on the scoreboard came early in the match when Alexis Mac Allister found himself perfectly positioned for a close-range shot.
However, Forest's goalkeeper Matz Sels pulled off an impressive save, denying the Argentine's attempt and also blocking his follow-up effort.
Forest breaks the deadlock: Nottingham Forest took the lead in the 33rd minute with a contentious goal from Murillo. The defender managed to control the ball from a corner before firing it low into the bottom corner of the net.
VAR controversy (Murillo Goal): The goal sparked immediate calls for a VAR review for a possible offside, as Liverpool players argued that Dan Ndoye had interfered with play. They claimed that Ndoye was obstructing Alisson Becker's view from an offside position, but after reviewing the incident, the officials allowed the goal to stand.
Second Forest goal ruled out: Just moments after their first goal, Forest found the back of the net again thanks to Igor Jesus. However, this second goal was swiftly disallowed by the referee who ruled that Jesus had handled the ball during the build-up, reports the Liverpool Echo.
A subsequent statement from the Premier League provided further clarification on the decision.
Disallowed goal controversy: The decision to disallow Igor Jesus' goal caused a stir among the Forest players and staff. Pundits noted that it was a contentious call, with doubts over whether the player had indeed handled the ball.
Half-time verdict: As the half-time whistle blew, there was a general feeling of disappointment regarding Liverpool's quality and control. It was clear that the team needed the break to regroup and address the structural issues that had allowed Forest to take the lead.
Salah's display: Mohamed Salah was one of Liverpool's standout performers in the first half, consistently causing problems on the wing. He frequently found space against Neco Williams and sent several threatening low crosses into the box, but couldn't find the back of the net.
Player struggles: Liverpool's defense had a worrying performance, highlighted by Ibrahima Konate's inconsistent distribution and hesitant defending. Furthermore, forward Alexander Isak struggled to make an impact, reportedly only touching the ball once in the first 15 minutes.
Tactical approach: The game saw Dominik Szoboszlai playing at right-back, although he seemed more effective when moving into central areas. The midfield appeared exposed at times, allowing Forest to easily cut through the middle and reach the final third.
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