Morgan Gibbs-White made it two goals in two Premier League games to clinch a hugely important 1-0 win for Nottingham Forest against Crystal Palace.
Forest had some positive moments in the first half, but they were still left breathing a sigh of relief at going in at the break all-square. It could have been very different had Palace put a penalty away just before half-time.
Jesse Lingard was inches away from breaking the deadlock just past the quarter-hour mark. He slid in to try to knock in a cross-shot from Brennan Johnson which went towards the back post but couldn’t quite get there in time.
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Lingard was at the centre of the action again with half an hour gone. Clean through, he was tripped by Tyrick Mitchell on the edge of the area.
Forest argued the Palace man should have had a red card, rather than the yellow he received, but referee John Brooks pointed to there being a covering defender. The resulting free-kick was curled over by Renan Lodi.
Palace hadn’t caused Dean Henderson too many problems at the other end of the pitch. However, they had the chance to score the opener in the closing minutes of the half. Joe Worrall was penalised for pulling back Wilfried Zaha after he had been turned. Zaha took the resulting penalty but sent it narrowly wide.
The breakthrough came 10 minutes into the second half, when Gibbs-White was on hand to pounce after a Johnson shot had been saved. After a lengthy VAR check for a potential offside, the goal stood. Joe Worrall and Lingard could have added to the tally, but Forest still came through for a big victory. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the City Ground.
Dean Henderson: Steady and calm when he needed to be - not that he had too many saves to make. A well-deserved clean-sheet for the goalkeeper. Rating: 7.5/10
Serge Aurier: No coincidence the defender and Yates have started all three games this week. Another excellent display from the summer signing, who has really found some form. Rating: 8/10
Joe Worrall: Not sure he could have any complaints about the penalty against him, although was a neat turn and clever play by Zaha. Picked himself up after that, though. Rating: 7.5/10
Willy Boly: Stood strong when Palace had spells of pressure, having held on to his place in the side. Some decent balls forward, too. Rating: 8/10
Renan Lodi: Deservedly kept his place in the side, and repaid the manager’s faith with another good performance. Wasn’t too far away from another goal, with a free-kick. Rating: 7.5/10
Ryan Yates: Brilliant, again. Didn’t stop all afternoon, constantly looking to break up play and showing a willingness to get on the ball. Has become such a key player. Rating: 8.5/10
Cheikhou Kouyate: Put a real shift in. Perhaps could have been a bit braver with the ball at times, but helped keep tabs on Palace’s attacking threat. Rating: 7.5/10
Remo Freuler: Grew into the game and began to have a significant influence in the centre of the pitch. Showed great composure on the ball. Rating: 8/10
Jesse Lingard: That goal on Wednesday night seems to have done him the world of good. Could have added to that tally with another excellent performance. Got a deserved standing ovation when he came off. Rating: 8.5/10
Morgan Gibbs-White: Had to wait an age to find out whether he could celebrate, but it was worth it. Has really started to show what he’s all about in recent games. Rating: 8.5/10
Brennan Johnson: A real threat with his pace, which caused Palace problems. Was central to two of the Reds’ best moments, not least with his shot which led to the opener. Rating: 8.5/10
Subs
Jack Colback (for Kouyate, 70mins): Got stuck in straight away. In the thick of the action as the Reds battled for a crucial result. Rating: 7.5/10
Sam Surridge (for Lingard, 81mins): There was an argument for keeping him in the starting XI. Looked lively again. Rating: 7.5/10
Lewis O’Brien (for Gibbs-White, 86mins): Played his part in a nerve-wracking final few minutes as the hosts held on. Rating: 7.5/10
Neco Williams (for Lodi, 86mins): Solid in the closing minutes as Forest looked to see the game out. Rating: 7.5/10
Subs not used: Hennessey, Cook, McKenna, Awoniyi, D. Taylor.
Who was your Forest man of the match? Have your say in the comments below
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