Nottingham Forest vs Everton. Premier League.
The City GroundAttendance29,353.
Match report and free match highlights as Nottingham Forest twice come from behind to rescue a point against Everton; Forest keep nine-match unbeaten run at home intact; Everton stay in the relegation zone, four points behind Forest, who stay 14th
Sunday 5 March 2023 18:48, UK
Nottingham Forest twice came from behind to rescue what could prove to be a crucial Premier League point after a pulsating 2-2 draw with Everton.
Goals weren't potentially on the agenda for many at the City Ground with both sides struggling to score in recent weeks, but a pulsating first half saw Demarai Gray give Everton the lead from the spot (10) after Dwight McNeil was fouled by Jonjo Shelvey before Brennan Johnson found an instant equaliser for Forest (19).
Abdoulaye Doucoure, who told Sky Sports this week that he was close to leaving Everton when Frank Lampard was manager, showed his importance to Sean Dyche's side when he headed them back in front to score his first goal since September 2021.
With so much at stake for both sides, the second half began in feisty fashion with tackles flying in and numerous bookings being dished out, but in the end, it was Johnson who kept his composure as his fine finish sealed a share of the spoils and stretched Forest's unbeaten run at the City Ground to nine matches.
Forest boss Cooper was delighted with his side's response, especially after their 4-0 defeat to West Ham last weekend as well.
He told Sky Sports: "There's a lot to be pleased about. Obviously, we're disappointed with the goals we conceded. Everton started brighter than us, but I like the fact we came back twice in the game especially after what happened last week [lost 0-4 at West Ham].
"We definitely deserved at least a draw, but we also need to know we have to do better with the goals conceded.
The draw sees Everton stay in the relegation zone and they remain four points behind Forest, who stay 14th.
Despite letting a lead slip late in the second-half, Everton boss Dyche believes his side have something to continue to build on.
He told Sky Sports: "You've got to be reality-bound. We've a work in progress, we're continuing the good work on the training pitch, we're taking it into performances. Nowhere is easy in the Premier League.
"I've been encouraged since I got to the club with the way the players have responded, the way they are taking on the challenge."
The pressure was firmly on Everton going into the game with Dyche's side knowing defeat would see them drop seven points behind Nottingham Forest.
However, it didn't show with Everton starting the better of the two sides and they were rewarded with an eighth-minute penalty after Jonjo Shelvey tripped Dwight McNeil.
After a lengthy wait to check a Doucoure handball in the build-up to the foul, Gray converted from the spot, sending Keylor Navas the wrong way.
Forest responded well to going behind and they were level in the 19th minute after piling the pressure on Everton. Johnson was alert and he pounced to fire home the rebound after Morgan Gibbs-White's shot had been pushed away by Jordan Pickford.
Forest were on top and pushing for a second but it was Everton that regained their lead, and it came against the run of play. Michael Keane won the first header from a set-piece Doucoure stole in to head home from close range
Now it was Everton on top and they had chances to extend their lead before the break, but Navas tipped over McNeil's powerful drive, while Gray saw a shot blocked at the far post as the visitors ended the first half with the lead.
After the break, the pressure cranked up on both sets of players as an ill-tempered affair unfolded, with several confrontations and rash tackles after the break.
The frequent pauses in play helped Everton, who were happy to see the clock run down, while Forest were frustrated as they struggled to build any momentum.
The visitors looked untroubled and in control as they looked to see out the game, but Forest found an equaliser out of nowhere in the 77th minute.
Substitute Ryan Yates found space down the right and he pulled it back to Johnson, who was unmarked in the area, and he steered the ball into the top corner to set up a grandstand finish.
He almost had a match-winning hat-trick in the final minutes but drifted an effort just wide from a tight angle as the game ended all square.
Sky Sports' Andy Hinchcliffe: "Brennan Johnson has really showcased his talents today. He can dribble, he can cross, he can score goals. His second goal today, with the composure and intelligence of his positioning, was outstanding."
Sky Sports' Graeme Souness on Johnson's finish: "It's a class finish. He knows exactly what he's going to do with it. He doesn't try to smash it and places it, blindsiding the goalkeeper as he plays it around the Everton defender. That's the mark of a real cool finisher."
Everton boss Sean Dyche to Sky Sports:
"I'm very pleased with the away performance because there has been a lot of noise about the away performances of this football club, with me and before me. I think we've had a couple of tough games away and then coming here - I'm not saying it's not tough because these have a good home record - we really wanted to take the game on and I think we did. If we don't make a mistake for their second goal and we come away with a win and we get a penalty, which I was very surprised at, then I think that's a really good away peformance.
"There's a lot to like with the performance today - the energy, the commitment. You've got to remember we played Arsenal; forget the scoreline, that was a big, physical shift playing down there, the lads have put another one in today. That will keep us getting stronger, keep increasing the mentality of the side to come away from home and win games."
On if the point is something to build on: "I've been encouraged since I got to the club with the way the players have responded, the way they are taking on the challenge."
Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper to Sky Sports:
"I am disappointed with the referee, but we'll reflect on it. I thought he got lots of decisions wrong. He will know that, and he will probably have to explain his performance as well. It's a pity things like that ended up having an impact on the game.
"You want to win or lose with what the opponent does - not the officials. The lads are a bit disappointed they didn't win but they gave everything and showed courage."
Nottingham Forest travel to Tottenham in the Premier League next Saturday at 3pm before hosting Newcastle on March 17 at 8pm, live on Sky Sports.
Up next for Everton is a Premier League home game against Brentford next Saturday at 3pm. Sean Dyche's side then travel to Chelsea on March 18 at 5.30pm, live on Sky Sports.
