Nottingham Forest only had themselves to blame as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at Brentford, with the hosts having come from behind to win.
In a first half lacking in notable action, chances were few and far between at either end. But the Reds made the most of one right on the stroke of the interval to take the lead.
They had almost created a decent opening with just a few minutes played, but Serge Aurier’s dangerous ball across goal just evaded Brennan Johnson. It took until the 40th minute for the visitors to forge their next real opening, with Taiwo Awoniyi unable to get a header on target from Johnson’s cross.
READ MORE: How the action unfolded against Brentford
READ MORE: Cooper names Forest team to face Bees
At the opposite end, Keylor Navas didn’t have too much to do. He dealt with a long-range effort from Bryan Mbeumo in the 10th minute, then pulled off a brilliant save to thwart Ethan Pinnock as half-time neared.
That stop proved crucial as just a few minutes later Danilo broke the deadlock. Moussa Niakhate’s long throw caused problems and when Morgan Gibbs-White deflected into the path of the Brazilian he finished from close range.
Forest had to stand firm in the second half, but had chances through Gibbs-White and Moussa Niakhate. Ivan Toney struck with less than 10 minutes to go and the Reds had to finish the game with 10 men when Danilo picked up an injury. To compound their misery, Josh Dasilva completed the comeback for the Bees in added time. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Keylor Navas: Got a hand to the equaliser and was a bit unfortunate as it bounced off him. Perhaps could have done better, but wasn’t helped by the wall in front of him. Rating: 5/10
Serge Aurier: His experience will be crucial in the remaining games. For the most part, Forest had dealt well with Brentford’s threat, only had themselves to blame for letting it slip. Rating: 6/10
Joe Worrall: Back in the side and tried to lead by example. Overall, had a fairly decent game. Forest will be kicking themselves for giving this game away - particularly if it ends up being costly. Rating: 6.5/10
Felipe: Defended in his usual physical, robust style. Did his best as the Reds came under pressure towards the end, but Forest were their own worst enemies in the end. Rating: 6.5/10
Moussa Niakhate: A relief for the Reds to have him passed fit to start. Those long throws are a useful weapon - and one of them led to Danilo’s goal. Almost scored with an acrobatic effort, too. Rating: 6.5/10
Renan Lodi: Had generally done well up until the final minutes. It was a long time for the Reds to defend, though, particularly when they were down to 10 men. Rating: 6/10
Danilo: Marked his birthday with another goal, netting for the second successive game. He’s full of confidence right now. A worry to see him pick up an injury. Rating: 7/10
Orel Mangala: Did a lot of the dirty work in the centre of the pitch, getting stuck into plenty of challenges. That combination with Danilo definitely has potential. Rating: 7/10
Morgan Gibbs-White: Was bright and lively, even if the Reds didn’t create too many chances. Tried his luck with an effort in the second half. Rating: 6.5/10
Brennan Johnson: Picked up a knock, but hopefully nothing too serious as he got a chant of ‘one of our own’ as he walked past the away end. Had worked so hard all afternoon. Rating: 6.5/10
Taiwo Awoniyi: Just wasn’t his day. Would expect to have done better with a clear header at goal and was a little clumsy at times when more composure was needed. Rating: 6/10
Subs
Andre Ayew (for Awoniyi, 54mins): Picked up a booking almost as soon as he came on, then walked a tightrope by giving away a free-kick immediately after. Rating: 5/10
Cheikhou Kouyate (for Johnson, 66mins): Needed to do better in the wall for Toney’s goal. That was poor. Rating: 5/10
Ryan Yates (for Mangala, 81mins): A huge boost to have him back. He’ll be needed in the remaining games. Rating: 6/10
Subs not used: Hennessey, Lingard, Toffolo, Surridge, Freuler, Dennis.
How would you rate the Reds? Have your say in the comments below
READ NEXT
