Gibbs-White influential as Liverpool and Nottingham Forest draw 2-2 at Anfield
Liverpool drew 2-2 with Nottingham Forest at Anfield on 29 August 2026 in Andoni Iraola's first home Premier League game as their new head coach. BBC Sport published individual player ratings for the match and awarded Morgan Gibbs-White an 8.
BBC Sport's report and ratings summarised key moments: Dan Ndoye scored for Forest, Gibbs-White provided the assist for that goal and later converted a second-half penalty, Alexander Isak levelled on the hour, and Victor Munoz scored a long-range strike to equalise in front of the Kop. The goalkeeper Alisson was noted as "Well beaten for Dan Ndoye's goal but made a superb save to deny Igor Jesus on the brink of half-time" and the report added "Poor penalty to give away for Gibbs-White's winner." The article also invited readers to submit their own player scores.
In Liverpool's defensive unit Alisson was given a 5, with his shot-stopping praised alongside criticism for conceding the penalty that led to Gibbs-White's goal. Jeremie Frimpong received a 6; the assessment said he struggled defensively but got into good positions going forward and must improve the consistency of his end delivery. Jeremy Jacquet was rated 6 after a goal-saving challenge to deny Igor Jesus early on, while Virgil van Dijk was given a 6 and Milos Kerkez a 5 before Kerkez was replaced by Kostas Tsimikas in the 71st minute.
Midfield and wide contributions for Liverpool drew mixed marks: Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister were each rated 6, with Mac Allister noted for a reverse ball to Cody Gakpo. Cody Gakpo earned a 7 for his attacking work including a neat pass for Florian Wirtz and creating the chance that led to Alexander Isak's equaliser. Florian Wirtz was also rated 7 after repeatedly threatening the Forest defence and providing the assist for Munoz's goal.
Victor Munoz, making his first Liverpool start and operating on the left, received a 7 after being direct on his flank and firing a first-half effort wide before scoring what the report described as "a belter to level the game in front of the Kop and rescue a point for Liverpool." Alexander Isak was given a 6; the report said he had "just six touches in the first half and zero shots on goal" but scored the first equaliser on the hour mark, adding that "That was just his ninth touch but a goal that will give him plenty of confidence." Liverpool substitute ratings included Kostas Tsimikas (on 71, Kerkez) 5, Ryan Gravenberch (on 71, Frimpong) 5, Matthew Ngumoha (on 71, Gakpo) 5, Benjamin Araujo (on 77, Jacquet) 5 and Nyoni (on 77, Mac Allister) 5; subs not used were listed as Mamardashvili, Endo, McConnell and Koumas.
For Nottingham Forest, Matz Sels was rated 5; the report said his long punt upfield led to Ndoye's goal and he made a strong save to deny Wirtz but was beaten by Gakpo's cross for Isak's leveller and had no chance with Munoz's strike. Jair Cunha was given a 6, Nikola Milenkovic a 6 and Murillo a 6, with the latter described as having been well beaten by Munoz for the goal that made it 2-2. Ola Aina was rated 7 for his constant involvement and near-creation of a goal, while James McAtee and Xaver Schlager each received 7 for tidy, energetic displays.
Neco Williams earned a 7 after a lively full-back display and was credited with winning the penalty that put Forest ahead for the second time. Dan Ndoye received a 7 for a "wonderful finish" that the report noted was his first Premier League goal in 377 days. Morgan Gibbs-White was rated 8: the report praised his quality on the ball, his assist for Ndoye and that he "dispatch[ed] his second-half penalty in style," and added that he "Loves Anfield and how has five goal involvements (three goals, two assists) there." The article also stated, "No Englishman has netted more Premier League goals overall this calendar year than his 13." Igor Jesus was given a 7 for his early chance and hold-up play.
Forest substitutes and substitute ratings included Delap (on 66, Ndoye) 6, Netz (on 86, Aina) 5, Hudson-Odoi (on 90+2, McAtee) 5 and Dominguez (on 90+2, Igor Jesus) 5; unused Forest subs listed were Victor, Diomande, Wood, Yates and Abbott. Readers were invited to rate players out of 10 for the game, with BBC Sport noting that the rater would close 30 minutes after the final whistle and that the displayed score after closure represents the average of submissions by BBC Sport users.
