Liverpool continued to make the same mistakes that have been evident over the last two months, with Alexander Isak‘s ineffectiveness among the biggest problems.The Reds’ 3-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest was the first time they had lost back-to-back league games by this scoreline since 1965.While this may not have been Liverpool’s worst performance of the season, it certainly felt like a nadir had been reached with regard to the team’s spirit.Among the key questions to emerge from the match was why Arne Slot chose to start Isak, who had played just 28 minutes in the last month, over the more in-form Hugo Ekitike. “For him to get there (to full fitness), he might need to have minutes where you could argue that another player might be further ahead of him in terms of match fitness,” the head coach explained.“I always have to find the balance between what is the best for him as an individual and for us as a team.”That balance is not being struck at the moment.It is true that Isak isn’t at his sharpest, but even playing him consistently in this side isn’t going to see him return to his Newcastle levels – Liverpool are simply not set up for him.Saturday’s defeat saw him become the first Liverpool player in the Premier League era to end on the losing side in each of his first four starts for the club. Alexander Isak had just 14 touches against Nottingham ForestAgainst Forest, FotMob tells us he had just 14 touches, fewer than any other starter on the pitch.The No. 9 lasted 68 minutes before being replaced by Federico Chiesa, in which time he had one shot off target, was dispossessed twice and lost all seven of his duels.This is not a hit piece on Liverpool’s record signing, though, as Isak is clearly not being utilised effectively.The Swede is a traditional striker in the sense that he is best running in behind and coming onto the ball within the width of the penalty area.While he can perform on the wings, especially cutting in off the left, his talents are best employed around the box.Liverpool, however, can’t find a way to get him into games; he looks lost at times as he drops deep in search of the ball after long periods without any action.The below map from the match, shared by writer Sam McGuire on X, showcases how often Liverpool players linked up and just how disconnected Isak was from his teammates.In the absence of being able to find Isak, this had a knock-on effect for the rest of Liverpool’s attackers.Mo Salah and Cody Gakpo’s creative woesMo Salah and Cody Gakpo, who had looked sharp at the beginning of the afternoon, resorted to hopeful crosses which invariably found centre-half Murillo who made seven headed clearances.In fact, the two Reds wingers delivered a combined 12 crosses with zero reaching a red shirt.While Ekitike is certain to still see plenty of game time this season, even if he is acting as a backup to Isak, he has every right to be frustrated with his position on the bench.Even as a raw attacker, the Frenchman currently looks more suited to Liverpool’s style as a combative false-nine with an eye for goal.At the start of the season, Liverpool were conceding plenty but getting over the line. Now, one goal in their last three games is indicative of a team not functioning at either end of the pitch.FotMob is an essential app for every fan to keep up to date with their team or follow football worldwide, their incredible new features provide all you could ever want and information you never knew you needed! You can download the FotMob App here.