GIBBS-WHITE AND SELS LOOK MORE LIKE OLD SELVES AGAINST LIVERPOOL

THE final whistle had long since blown when Nottingham Forest’s squad stood in front of a jubilant away end and savoured the moment.

- By SARAH CLAPSON

By then, the home stands were largely empty. Plenty of Liverpool supporters had been sent on their way with chants of “cheerio, cheerio, cheerio” when they headed for the exits after the visitors’ third had gone in.

By contrast, no one had left early among the travelling contingent. Given the chance, they perhaps would have stayed in situ at Anfield all night, continuing to fill the Merseyside air with the full Forest songbook.

Much like the Reds’ granite defence throughout the 90 minutes, it was as though players and fans did not want to move.

They wanted to stay for as long as possible to soak it all up and drink it all in. That unity, that connection, that giddy feeling, it had all come rushing back.

Sean Dyche was already off the pitch by that point; he rarely hangs around once the serious business is over. He will have enjoyed that one, though.

When Forest beat Liverpool at the same venue under Nuno Espirito Santo’s tutelage little more than 12 months ago, it was a real statement win. This time around it can be a springboard, having lifted the club out of the relegation zone.

Below is a look at some of the big talking points from Saturday's 3-0 success.

Sensational shutout

Neco Williams was speaking in the Anfield mixed zone when Arne Slot walked past on the way to his post-match press conference. The Liverpool boss gave the Welshman a tap on the back and said: “Congratulations, good game.”

It was an acknowledgement from the opposition of just how well Williams - not to mention the Reds’ entire rearguard and indeed the whole team - had played. Keeping the reigning champions at bay is no mean feat, especially when you face 21 shots at goal.