EPL: Danny Murphy names two players Liverpool crucial to Nottingham Forest defeat

Former Liverpool midfielder, Danny Murphy, has claimed there are two players who are integral to the club, following their shock 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Taiwo Awoniyi came back to haunt the Reds with the winning goal during the Premier League clash.

After the game, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp expressed frustration at his team’s inability to break down Forest’s compact and defensive set-up.

Klopp also noted the number of changes he was forced to make to his starting XI.

Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz were unavailable, while midfielder Thiago Alcantara was also missing because of an ear infection.

Trent Alexander Arnold was left on the bench, with the defender still not 100% fit.

Murphy feels the absence of Thiago and Alexander-Arnold was crucial.

“Once you take Thiago and Trent out of that XI, you don’t have anyone with that courage to keep looking up and split a packed defence.

“Trent played midweek so maybe he [Klopp] didn’t want to risk him, but I think there is an argument to suggest strengthening the midfield.

“Klopp had no choice but to play the kids [Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones], and there was bad luck with the forwards being injured as well,” Murphy told Match of the Day.