Yahoo News Alexis Mac Allister targeted as strong Liverpool message sent by Nottingham Forest
Liverpool's encouraging start to the season was brought to a halt with a shock reverse against Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon. The Reds struggled to get out of first gear as they allowed the visitors to earn a 1-0 triumph.
The result was the first loss for Arne Slot since taking over as head coach and was the first time Forest had won at Liverpool since way back in February 1969.
But there was plenty that went unnoticed or under the radar during the 90 minutes at Anfield...
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Yates whine lodge
Forest didn't exactly stand on ceremony, particularly during a first half in which they made the most of their physical prowess. Not least chief clodhopper Ryan Yates.
The clumsy Forest skipper had already sent Andy Robertson to the turf when he set his sights on Alexis Mac Allister, twice in separate incidents leaving the Argentina international requiring treatment and later shoving him in the face, much to the anger of an increasingly agitated Anfield.
And just before half-time, the Yates left referee Michael Oliver no option but to book him - for timewasting.
Jack of all trades
There was a smattering of familiar faces in the stands at Anfield on Saturday. Thiago Alcantara was back for the first time to take in a game having left the club in the summer and subsequently announced his retirement from playing.
Less expected, though, was the sight of former White Stripes guitarist Jack White with his current touring band ahead of their gig at the O2 Academy later in the day.
Given how poorly Liverpool played, he might not return in a hurry. A seven nation army couldn't bring him back, probably.
Nuno no-no
Anfield may have been pretty quiet for much of the game but that wasn't the case inside the stadium after the final whistle. From the press conference, the rumble of booming bass lines and kick drums could be felt as the Forest dressing room celebrated in style.
But visiting boss Nuno Espirito Santo admitted afterwards: "No, it's not my playlist. Now is a moment to celebrate but me and the coaching staff are starting immediately to think about (our next game at) Brighton."
Hmm. Maybe Jack White had popped in to give a few musical pointers.
Pre-match tributes
Forest were, of course, Liverpool's FA Cup semi-final opponents at the Hillsborough disaster in 1989. And the travelling support paid tribute to those who died at the tragedy while sending a strong message.
A banner unfurled at the front of the away end before kick-off declared "Respect the 97, Solidarity with Survivors, No to tragedy chanting".
There was another poignant moment ahead of the game when the recent passing of Liverpool legend Ron Yeats was marked with a period of applause as a mosaic saying 'Rowdy 5' - the centre-back's nickname and regular shirt number - was held aloft on the Kop.
