Nottingham Forest crashed to a costly 2-1 defeat at Leeds United which will only have increased the pressure on Steve Cooper.
The Reds head coach went into the game with his position under scrutiny, on the back of a poor run of form which had left the club in a precarious position. But his team got off to the perfect start, going in front with 12 minutes on the clock.
Forest had already gone close through Emmanuel Dennis, who was denied by the woodwork after a Morgan Gibbs-White corner was flicked on. Brennan Johnson then had a shot gathered soon after.
READ MORE: How the action unfolded at Elland Road
READ MORE: Cooper names Forest team to face Leeds
When the breakthrough came, it was well worked. Emmanuel Dennis and Danilo combined, with the former going on to pick out Orel Mangala on the edge of the area. The Belgian took a touch before supplying a lovely finish for his first goal for the club.
However, the lead lasted all of eight minutes. Keylor Navas parried an effort by Marc Roca, but Jack Harrison was alert to bury the follow-up.
After that, it was all Leeds before the break as the Reds were on the back foot. And that pressure finally told just before the whistle when Luis Sinisterra fired the hosts in front.
Forest did offer a little more early in the second half, but the Whites continued to look dangerous. Sinisterra and Patrick Bamford both had chances, while too little was created at the opposite end to salvage anything from the game as the Reds’ winless run stretched to eight games. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at Elland Road.
Keylor Navas: Should have done better with the equaliser as palmed it right into Harrison’s path. It proved especially costly as the momentum turned after that. Rating: 4.5/10
Neco Williams: Given an absolutely torrid time all evening by Sinisterra, in particular. Was turned inside and out for Leeds’ second, which summed up Forest’s night. Rating: 4/10
Felipe: Did his best to try to stop what was mostly one-way traffic, but was overworked. Too often, in the first half especially, the defence lacked organisation. Rating: 5/10
Moussa Niakhate: Weighed in with a crucial challenge in the second half. Whole back line barely had a moment's rest, though, as the hosts were allowed to have the run of Elland Road. Rating: 5/10
Harry Toffolo: As well as the left-back had done at the weekend, Leeds gave him an incredibly tough time. The hosts successfully exploited both full-backs. Rating: 4/10
Danilo: Part he played in Mangala’s goal a good example of what he’s all about. No shortage of energy and drive, but made way as Forest tried to get a grip in the middle. Rating: 5/10
Remo Freuler: The Reds desperately needed the captain to step up and take control when they were under the cosh. As it was, they looked all over the place after conceding. Rating: 4/10
Orel Mangala: Delightful finish to open his goalscoring account, showing lovely composure. Forest need more of those kinds of goals. Deserved to count for more than it did. Rating: 4.5/10
Brennan Johnson: Other than an early effort, barely touched the ball in the first half as the visitors lost their way. Second half was a little better, but not enough to make any real difference to the scoreline. Rating: 4.5/10
Morgan Gibbs-White: Far from being at his best on an evening when the visitors really needed a big performance. Wasn’t on his own on that front, however. Overall team display was really poor. Rating: 4/10
Emmanuel Dennis: Assist was excellent, but the attacker was unable to build on it. A concern to see him pick up a knock, though, it’s the last thing the Reds need. Rating: 4.5/10
Subs
Taiwo Awoniyi (for Danilo, 56mins): Barely got a glimpse of a chance to try to rescue something from the game. Rating: 5/10
Jonjo Shelvey (for Mangala, 56mins): Unable to make enough of an impact on the match as Leeds hung on. Rating: 5/10
Cheikhou Kouyate (for Freuler, 64mins): He’s been a big miss while injured, but could do little about this one. Rating: 5/10
Gustavo Scarpa (for Gibbs-White, 71mins): Hasn’t seen much game time of late, and perhaps lacked a bit of sharpness as a result. Rating: 5/10
Andre Ayew (for Dennis, 71mins): Couldn’t change the course of the game as the Reds struggled to create any meaningful chances. Rating: 5/10
Subs not used: Hennessey, Worrall, Surridge, Lodi.
Who was your Forest man of the match? Have your say in the comments below
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