Liverpool, 22 November 2025 – Virgil van Dijk was blunt in his assessment after Liverpool’s stunning 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest at Anfield.
Strikes from Murillo, Nicolo Savona, and Morgan Gibbs-White gave Forest a famous win, the second straight season they’ve claimed all three points from the Reds at home. It also continues a grim run for Liverpool, who have now lost six of their last seven league games.
Despite fielding strong personnel including Alexander Isak, Mohamed Salah, and a returning Alisson, Arne Slot’s men couldn’t turn dominance in possession into clear-cut chances against a well-drilled Sean Dyche outfit.
The result leaves Liverpool 11th in the table, while Forest move up to 16th with their third win of the campaign. Remarkably, it’s the first time since 1965 Liverpool have lost back-to-back league games by three goals or more, and ties their worst-ever Premier League home defeat. The club have now shipped 20 goals in just 12 league fixtures — a defensive record not seen since 1992.
Speaking to Premier League Productions afterward, Van Dijk held his side accountable, calling the display “rushed” and admitting the team lost out on “battles, challenges, and the fight.”
“Everyone in the team has to take responsibility,” he said. “Football is a team sport. We need to digest this result and work harder. This is a problem we have to address together.”
The captain also addressed the sting of losing at home to Forest specifically:
“Everyone is disappointed, as they should be. The goals we conceded were far too easy, and we all need to look in the mirror. I’ve been at this club through thick and thin. We will bounce back, but it doesn’t happen overnight. I’m not a quitter, and we will keep pushing.”
On supporters exiting early during the game, Van Dijk was understanding but emphasized the bond with fans going forward:
“I can’t decide what supporters do when they leave early. Our fans have always been there for us, and they will continue to support us as we work to recover from this.”
Liverpool now turn to Europe, hosting PSV at Anfield on 26 November, before a Premier League trip to West Ham on 30 November.
