Despite going ahead twice at the City Ground, Everton were unable to cling on for what could have been a precious away win over Nottingham Forest as the Premier League’s two lowest-scoring sides played out a thrilling draw that was low on quality but high in drama with survival stakes high.
It was only the third time this season that the Blues had scored more than once in a game - and the first time under Sean Dyche - and despite the league table, for long periods they looked the more polished of two struggling sides with both teams going into the fixture on the back of 4-0 defeats to West Ham United and Arsenal respectively.
Everton were handed an early boost on 10 minutes when they were awarded just their second penalty of the season – the other being a late consolation in a 4-1 home loss to Brighton & Hove Albion when former Liverpool midfielder Jonjo Shelvey tripped Dwight McNeil and Demarai Gray, who was starting for the first time under Sean Dyche, sent Keylor Navas the wrong way from the spot.
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The Blues’ lead lasted less than 10 minutes though as Brennan Johnson tapped in from close range after Jordan Pickford had parried a shot from Morgan Gibbs-White but they got their noses back in front just before the half-hour mark when a long free-kick upfield from their keeper was met by a trio of headers from James Tarkowski, Michael Keane and Abdoulaye Doucoure, who netted his first goal since September 2021.
With some impressive saves from Pickford, Everton looked like they might have been heading for a first success on the road since the 2-1 comeback win at Southampton on October 1 but 13 minutes from the end Johnson struck again with a calm finish from the edge of the area after Doucoure, who had been one of the visitors’ brightest performers, had lost possession.
It was the fourth time in six games the Blues have conceded more than two goals.
The setback ensured that Dyche’s side, who could have moved to within a point of Forest with a win, remain in the relegation zone on goal difference below Leeds United but are now a point above south coast pair Southampton and Bournemouth, the latter of whom now prop up the table.
