Analysis: Growing pains continue for Iraola's Reds

[Getty Images] With a new manager, a new system and relatively new stars tasked with leading this new era at Anfield, patience was always going to be needed at Liverpool this season. But with two forwards brought in for nine-figure fees - and a third on the way - Iraola is not likely to receive the same grace that saw him backed even after failing to win any of his first nine league games at Bournemouth. This was another frustrating Liverpool performance with Forest able to limit them to few chances as they sat deep and invited the hosts to break them down. The wide open spaces in midfield that proved so costly at Newcastle last weekend were not quite as evident after Iraola made the bold decision to drop Ryan Gravenberch in favour of Alexis Mac Allister, but the simplicity of the Forest goals will still have irked him. One long ball caught them out for the first, while they appeared to switch off for the throw-in that led to the penalty. That Wirtz and Isak were each involved in a goal was certainly a positive, though. They hold the key to Liverpool having a successful season and, quiet as Isak was otherwise, there will be few complaints if the goals keep coming. Wirtz was brighter, albeit still with room for improvement, but then that could be said of the whole side. More reinforcements may yet follow Bradley Barcola through the door before Tuesday's transfer deadline but regardless, Iraola will be hoping things start to click soon after another disjointed performance.