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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Matt Davies

Match of the Day pundit tears into 'criminal' Nottingham Forest defending against Liverpool

Match of the Day pundit Ashley Williams has torn into Nottingham Forest for their defending against Liverpool.

Forest went to Anfield and put in a much improved performance but lost 3-2 with all three Liverpool goals coming from set pieces as Diogo Jota scored twice with Mo Salah grabbing the winner.

Former Swansea and Everton defender Williams broke down each goal in detail with Remo Freuler and Orel Mangala coming in for particular criticism, while Fabinho also evaded Joe Worrall in the build up to Liverpool's opener, which saw Renan Lodi beaten to the ball.


READ MORE: Forest given Brighton instruction ahead of 'big week' in relegation fight

READ MORE: Cooper makes 'frustrating' Forest admission after Liverpool defeat

"Steve Cooper will be very frustrated this evening," he said. "It's the manner in which they conceded. The first one is a bit unlucky. I think Niakhate is surprised by it. It's him on the shoulder and Fabinho kind of gets a free run (on Worrall).

"As Jermain (fellow pundit Jermain Defoe) said, Jota has more desire than Lodi on the line to go get his goal. Ok, fair enough it's from a corner.

"The second one is a shambolic set-up. Freuler has his back to the ball. The only one who is alive to it is Jota. To afford him that much space when you're fighting relegation at Anfield is just criminal.

"It's a great finish but what you want is a straight defensive line and drop together. They're all over the place. No one seems to know what's going on.

"As good as the ball in (for the third goal) is from Trent Alexander-Arnold, it's just as poor defending from Nottingham Forest. It's Freuler again on the wrong side of Mo Salah. He should be goal side and between the ball and the goal.

"We've also highlighted Mangala as he doesn't drop with the line. If he's in the right position he could clear that. For the ball to be bouncing in the the six yard box for Salah to tap in, he (Cooper) must be tearing his hair out.

"You've worked so hard and give goals away, that would be one reason in the position they're in."

Were Forest unlucky to lose to Liverpool? Have your say in the comments below

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