Liverpool supporters were quick to criticize Andrew Robertson following the team’s 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on September 14 at Anfield. This loss was significant as it marked Liverpool’s first Premier League defeat under new manager Arne Slot.
Nottingham Forest secured the victory in the 72nd minute with a remarkable right-footed shot from substitute Callum Hudson-Odoi. After receiving a well-timed pass from Anthony Elanga, Hudson-Odoi fired a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area that hit the crossbar before going in, giving Nottingham Forest an unexpected lead.
Liverpool struggled to make an impact in response, and Robertson, in particular, had a poor game. The Scottish left-back made no significant contributions, failing to record any tackles, interceptions, or successful long balls. He lost possession six times before being substituted by Konstantinos Tsimikas in the 75th minute.
Fans took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express their dissatisfaction with Robertson’s performance. One user remarked, “What is Robertson still doing playing? Should’ve retired last year.” Another criticized his technical abilities, stating, “Robertson has no technical ability to be covering half spaces, man.” Many were displeased with his inability to cover the pitch effectively and his limited passing range, with one comment noting, “Robertson is so obviously our weakest link in possession. He’s so ridiculously stiff.”
Despite dominating possession with 70% of the ball, Liverpool was inefficient in front of goal, managing only five on-target shots from 14 attempts. Nottingham Forest, in contrast, made the most of their limited opportunities, with three out of five shots hitting the target. Liverpool also committed more fouls, totaling 15 compared to Nottingham Forest’s six, underscoring their frustration during the match.
**What’s Next for Liverpool?**
Despite the setback against Nottingham Forest, Liverpool has had a strong start to the 2024-25 Premier League season under Arne Slot, winning three of their first four matches and currently sitting in second place with nine points, behind only Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, who have a perfect 12 points.
One of Liverpool’s highlights this season was their 3-0 triumph over Manchester United at Old Trafford on September 1, where Luis Diaz scored twice (in the 35th and 42nd minutes) and Mohamed Salah added a third in the 56th minute, securing a decisive win over Erik ten Hag’s side.
Liverpool’s next challenge is their UEFA Champions League opener against Italian giants AC Milan at the San Siro on September 17. This match will mark the start of Liverpool’s European campaign for the season, and the team will aim to recover from their domestic defeat and make a strong start in Europe.
Andrew Robertson will likely remain under scrutiny after his subpar performance against Nottingham Forest. His future performances, especially in crucial competitions like the Champions League, will be closely monitored by both fans and critics. Slot will need Robertson and other key players to elevate their game if Liverpool hopes to compete for trophies both domestically and in Europe this season.
Despite this loss, Liverpool’s overall form under Slot has been promising. With three wins from four Premier League matches and a notable victory over Manchester United, there is still considerable optimism around the team. However, consistency and improved performances, particularly from players like Robertson, will be essential as they strive for success in multiple competitions this season.
