Liverpool’s dismal season took another damaging turn on Saturday as they fell to a dominant Nottingham Forest side, suffering a humiliating defeat at Anfield.

Arne Slot’s Premier League champions had hoped to recover from their heavy loss to Manchester City, but instead were outplayed by a rejuvenated Forest team revitalised under new manager Sean Dyche.

Slot handed £125m British-record signing Alexander Isak another start, yet the striker produced another ineffective display and was withdrawn after just 67 minutes.

Forest struck first in the 33rd minute when defender Murillo fired beyond returning Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, silencing an already nervous home crowd. Although Igor Jesus later had a goal disallowed for handball, the visitors doubled their lead just 47 seconds into the second half, with former Liverpool full-back Neco Williams setting up Nicola Savona for a composed finish in front of the Kop.

Liverpool offered little in response, and Forest extended their advantage 12 minutes from time when Morgan Gibbs-White capitalised after Alisson had initially saved Omari Hutchinson’s effort.

The defeat means Liverpool have now lost six of their last seven Premier League matches, increasing pressure on Slot as scrutiny intensifies over the nearly £450m spent during the summer rebuild.