Nottingham Forest’s winless streak extended to seven games as they drew 1-1 with Wolverhampton Wanderers at the City Ground.
With plenty riding on the game, there was a terrific show of support when Steve Cooper emerged from the tunnel before kick-off. And after a positive start, his team got their just rewards shortly before the break.
Injuries had an impact on Cooper’s team selection, but those who got the nod looked up for the challenge early on. Brennan Johnson and Danilo both tried their luck in the opening 15 minutes, with the former drawing a save from Jose Sa.
READ MORE: How the action unfolded at the City Ground
READ MORE: Cooper names Forest team to face Wolves
Wolves did look a threat, though. The bar came to Forest’s rescue before the half-hour, when Moussa Niakhate was spared an own goal after flicking on a cross, while Neco Williams and Keylor Navas combined to thwart Matheus Nunes.
The breakthrough came with 38 minutes played. Morgan Gibbs-White and Danilo combined to play in Johnson, who finished from a tight angle. And the Wales international felt he should have had the opportunity to make it 2-0 a couple of minutes later, arguing he was pulled back by Toti.
It was the visitors’ turn to protest for a penalty after the break, arguing Adama Traore was fouled by Felipe. With nothing given, it led to scuffles on the touchline which saw assistant managers Alan Tate and Pablo Sanz sent off.
Forest had their chances in the second half, but they were made to pay for not taking them as Daniel Podence equalised with seven minutes to go.
Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the City Ground.
Keylor Navas: Did well to keep out a big chance in the first half. Hadn’t had too much to do, but was beaten by a late suckerpunch. Rating: 6/10
Neco Williams: Stepped in pretty well, in the absence of Serge Aurier. Pushed forward plenty in the first half, especially, making some strong runs. Rating: 7/10
Felipe: Keeps on getting better and better. Has proved to be a class addition and will be so key in the run-in. Mopped up pretty much everything. Rating: 7.5/10
Moussa Niakhate: Back line had generally done well, despite coming under spells of pressure. Made some important clearances. Rating: 7/10
Harry Toffolo: A decent performance on a rare start for the left-back. Made sense to bring him off when he was on a yellow card, particularly as the game was getting fiery. Rating: 7/10
Danilo: Really showed what he can offer. Added a different dynamic in midfield, bringing plenty of energy and a willingness to get on the ball. A nice assist for Johnson, too. Rating: 7.5/10
Remo Freuler: Generally neat and tidy in the centre of the pitch. Might have gone under the radar, but he played an important role in a game his team should have won. Rating: 7.5/10
Orel Mangala: Looked much better in this particular midfield combination. Tried to be more proactive with the ball, and the Reds were better for it. Rating: 7.5/10
Brennan Johnson: Double-figures in all competitions now for the Wales international. Lovely finish from a tight angle. He’s doing what he can in this survival battle. Rating: 7.5/10
Morgan Gibbs-White: Much more like it from the former Wolves man. Caused his old club plenty of problems. Forest were just punished for not making the most of positive positions. Rating: 7.5/10
Emmanuel Dennis: Another positive display from the attacker, who made some excellent runs and tried his luck with an acrobatic effort. Needed to play in others on a few occasions, though. Rating: 7/10
Substitutes
Renan Lodi (for Toffolo, 60mins): Tried to help Forest get over the line with a steady cameo appearance. Rating: 6/10
Joe Worrall (for Dennis, 66mins): Brought on as the Reds changed formation. The tweak didn’t have the desired effect, though. Rating: 6/10
Cheikhou Kouyate (for Mangala, 86mins): A boost to have the midfielder available again. He’ll have benefitted from minutes on the pitch. Rating: 6/10
Taiwo Awoniyi (for Danilo, 86mins): Great to see him back. He can have a huge part to play. Rating: 6/10
Not used: Hennessey, Shelvey, Colback, Surridge, Ayew.
Who was your Forest man of the match? Have your say in the comments below
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