Nottingham Forest fell to a fourth straight defeat as they were toppled 3-2 at home to Fulham.
Taiwo Awoniyi had put the Reds in front. But, for the second game running, they suffered a second half collapse at the City Ground, with the visitors turning the game on its head.
The hosts led at the break thanks to Awoniyi’s second of the season. But they had spent much of the opening 45 minutes on the back foot, in a warning of what was to come.
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The breakthrough came with 11 minutes gone. A probing run from Brennan Johnson found Morgan Gibbs-White, and when he earned a corner with a deflected effort, Forest made the most of it. Gibbs-White whipped the ball in, Ryan Yates flicked it on and Awoniyi was on hand to nod home at the far post.
The Reds were soon on the back foot again, though. And they might well have been fortunate not to go down to ten men before the half hour.
Steve Cook dragged back Willian as he raced through on goal. The foul was just outside the box, and referee Jared Gillett deemed Willy Boly was covering, handing Cook a booking rather than an early bath.
Although the resulting free-kick was headed away, Aleksandar Mitrovic worked Dean Henderson with a free header from the corner which followed. At the other end of the pitch, Renan Lodi had a tame effort blocked as half-time neared.
It was a familiar feeling for Forest as they fell apart after the break. Fulham turned the game around with three goals in six minutes from Tosin Adarabioyo, Joao Palhinha and Harrison Reed.
Lewis O’Brien pulled one back heading towards the final ten minutes, but it was too little, too late. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the City Ground.
Dean Henderson: Made a few good saves, but didn’t look like there was a whole lot he could do about the goals conceded. Holes badly need to be plugged in front of him. Rating: 6/10
Willy Boly: Brought in for his debut, with the aim of trying to keep Mitrovic quiet - easier said than done. Some decent signs, but looks like it will take time to settle. Rating: 5/10
Steve Cook: Perhaps a little fortunate not to get a red card when trying to catch Willian. Had made some big blocks, but defence as a whole continues to be a worry. Rating: 5/10
Scott McKenna: Had dealt well with the threat of Fulham when they were on top, but a mad few minutes in the second half was hugely costly. A settled back line is needed, with time to gel. Rating: 5.5/10
Neco Williams: Worked incredibly hard, never stopped running and kept trying to chase the ball. Did look bright when he had the chance to push forward. Rating: 5.5/10
Ryan Yates: Might have done better defensively for a couple of the goals. Came close to an equaliser, but this is not how he would have wanted it to go when he led the team out with pride. Rating: 5/10
Remo Freuler: Can see why he is nicknamed ‘The Conductor’ as he was constantly directing his teammates. The Reds needed to have more of a grip on midfield, though; Fulham won that battle. Rating: 5/10
Renan Lodi: Some bright moments. Guilty of snatching at things on occasion, though; perhaps trying too hard to make something happen. Rating: 5.5/10
Morgan Gibbs-White: Lovely ball in for the opener. Could have done with a few more of those, particularly from set-pieces. Rating: 5.5/10
Brennan Johnson: Probing run led to the corner which resulted in the breakthrough, but Forest didn’t work those kind of openings often enough. Had a hand in O’Brien’s goal, too. Rating: 5.5/10
Taiwo Awoniyi: In the right place at the right time, with a solid header. Should have been the platform for the hosts to build on. Could have had a second after the break. Rating: 6/10
Subs
Jesse Lingard (for Cook, 63mins): Played his part in O’Brien’s goal. Was asking a lot to help Forest find a way back, though. Rating: 6/10
Joe Worrall (for Boly, 63mins): Put his heart into it, even when faced with an uphill battle. Tried to urge his teammates on. Rating: 6/10
Sam Surridge (for Awoniyi, 70mins): Brought some much-needed energy to the game. Just a shame there was a lot to do by that point. Rating: 6/10
Lewis O’Brien (for Freuler, 70mins): Made a difference when he came on. Lovely goal. Rating: 6.5/10
Emmanuel Dennis (for Williams, 88mins): Didn;t really have chance to make an impact as the Reds desperately chased a late equaliser. Rating: 5/10
Subs not used: Hennessey, Biancone, Toffolo, Kouyate.
Who was your man of the match? Have your say in the comments below
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