Nottingham Forest ended the season with a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace as Taiwo Awoniyi continued his red-hot scoring streak.
The Reds went into the game pressure-free, having already secured Premier League safety. And they soon gave a jubilant away end further cause to cheer as they took the lead with 31 minutes gone.
Serge Aurier fired wide from a Moussa Niakhate throw early on, but it was Palace who had looked most likely to break the deadlock as they saw more of the ball. Eberechi Eze and Jordan Ayew both tried their luck, before the latter inadvertently blocked a shot on the turn from the former on the half hour. Wayne Hennessey was called into action in the immediate aftermath of that chance, palming away Will Hughes’ close-range effort.
READ MORE: How the action unfolded at Selhurst Park
READ MORE: Cooper names Forest team to face Palace
No sooner had the hosts been denied, Forest opened the scoring. A delightful ball from Morgan Gibbs-White found Awoniyi, who raced forward then twisted and turned in the box before thumping past Sam Johnstone.
Chances continued to come for the hosts after the break, and they capitalised on one just past the hour. Will Hughes headed in Michael Olise’s cross to make it 1-1.
Emmanuel Dennis had a chance to restore the visitors’ lead in the final 10 minutes but fired tamely at Sam Johnstone. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at Selhurst Park.
Wayne Hennessey: Would have been hoping to keep a clean-sheet on his return to his former stomping ground. Not too much he could have done about the equaliser, though. Rating: 8/10
Serge Aurier: Has been such a key player this term. A typically solid showing from the right-back, whose experience has been so vital to securing survival. Rating: 8.5/10
Joe Worrall: A really strong end to the season by the skipper. Has been in superb form in recent games and kept that going with another outstanding performance. Rating: 9/10
Willy Boly: Will have enjoyed being back in the XI - his first start since returning from injury. Equaliser might have taken a slight deflection off him, but otherwise had done well. Rating: 8/10
Moussa Niakhate: Has the potential to be a big player next season, if he can have better injury luck. Has shown positive glimpses since his return. Rating: 8.5/10
Renan Lodi: A shame his afternoon ended early, seemingly due to injury. Hopefully he’s back in a Forest shirt again next season; has proved to be an excellent loan signing. Rating: 8.5/10
Orel Mangala: Has come into his own during the closing stages of the campaign. There’s the makings of a very strong midfield for Forest next term. Rating: 8.5/10
Ryan Yates: Try telling him there was nothing riding on the game. Was his usual industrious self, giving it his all and getting thoroughly stuck in. Rating: 8.5/10
Morgan Gibbs-White: Delightful outside-of-the-boot assist for Awoniyi - nothing less than Forest have come to expect from their newly-crowned Player of the Season. Still time for Gareth Southgate to change his mind… Rating: 9/10
Brennan Johnson: Must have run Gibbs-White close for Player of the Season. Had some lively moments in the capital, looking dangerous when he got the ball. Rating: 8.5/10
Taiwo Awoniyi: Has finished the season on fire. Double-figures in the Premier League, despite missing a chunk of the campaign, and what a goal it was. Terrific composure. Rating: 9/10
Subs
Harry Toffolo (for Lodi, 46mins): Solid when he came on, as he has been whenever he’s featured this season. Rating: 8.5/10
Emmanuel Dennis (for Boly, 72mins): Perhaps could have done better with a tame shot late on. Rating: 7.5/10
Cheikhou Kouyate (for Mangala, 72mins): Worked so hard during his time on the pitch, helping out the defence as much as he could. Rating: 8.5/10
Sam Surridge (for Awoniyi, 89mins): A few minutes for the striker, who got a terrific reception from the away end. Rating: 7.5/10
Andre Ayew (for Gibbs-White, 89mins): Perhaps a farewell appearance for the forward as his contract comes to an end. Rating: 7.5/10
Subs not used: G. Shelvey, Lingard, Mighten, Freuler.
How would you rate the Reds? Have your say in the comments below
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