Nottingham Forest lifted themselves out of the bottom three with a huge 3-1 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion.
Steve Cooper’s side had to work hard for it, coming from behind and surviving spells of pressure. But they brought an end to an 11-match winless run and boosted their hopes of staying up.
If ever a 60 seconds summed up the Reds’ season it came with quarter of an hour gone at the City Ground. In the space of about a minute the hosts missed a penalty and then suffered another injury.
READ MORE: How the action unfolded at the City Ground
READ MORE: Cooper names Forest team to face Brighton
Neco Williams was felled by Pervis Estupinan for the spot-kick, but Brennan Johnson saw his effort saved by Jason Steele. Forest then barely had chance to gather themselves before they had to make a change, with Moussa Niakhate forced off.
After a positive start, that killed their momentum and Albion began to take a grip on the game. Keylor Navas made an excellent save to deny Julio Enciso, before Johnson spurned another big opportunity at the opposite end.
The Reds paid the price for not taking their chances and losing their way when Facundo Buonanotte reacted quickest after Navas had parried a Solly March effort. But they restored parity just before the break when Renan Lodi’s cross-shot was deflected beyond Jason Steele.
Forest were hit by another injury early in the second half, with Williams stretchered off after a collision. However, they took the lead with 20 minutes to go when Danilo bagged his first for the club. And Morgan Gibbs-White completed the comeback in added time from the penalty spot, following a handball by Lewis Dunk. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at Anfield.
Keylor Navas: Made some really important saves, but will be kicking himself for the goal he gave away. Has had a few of those ones since joining in January. Rating: 7/10
Neco Williams: A massive shame to see him stretchered off after colliding with Johnson. Had been playing so well, building on his performance at Liverpool. Rating: 8.5/10
Serge Aurier: Led by example wearing the armband, gathering the troops for a team talk after falling behind. A huge boost to have him back at a crucial time. Rating: 8/10
Felipe: Stood firm at the back, and all while walking a tightrope after a very early booking. Clearly cares as always gives his all when he’s on the pitch. Rating: 7.5/10
Moussa Niakhate: Looked devastated as he walked off down the tunnel after being forced off. Injury situation just keeps going from bad to worse. Rating: 7/10
Renan Lodi: Showed the kind of passion needed in Forest’s position as he grabbed the badge after finding the back of the net. Made a big block on the line right at the death, too. Rating: 8/10
Danilo: Peach of a goal for his first in the Garibaldi, and what a time to get it. Fabulous run and showed great composure to finish it off. What a talent he promises to be. Rating: 9/10
Orel Mangala: Showed some nice touches once he found a bit of composure on the ball. Helped out the back line when Brighton had spells on top, too. Rating: 8/10
Morgan Gibbs-White: Ice cool from the spot. Probably the only man in the City Ground not showing any nerves. Kept plugging away all evening as the Reds battled. Rating: 8.5/10
Brennan Johnson: Wasn’t his night in front of goal on his 100th appearance for the club, with a couple of big chances missed. But he still played his part in a huge win. Rating: 7.5/10
Taiwo Awoniyi: Ran himself into the ground, putting in one heck of a shift as he battled away. Nice assist to set up Danilo for his goal. Rating: 8.5/10
Subs
Joe Worrall (for Niakhate, 14mins): Excellent after being parachuted in early on. Helped keep tabs on a very good Brighton side. Rating: 8/10
Cheikhou Kouyate (for Williams, 64mins): Great to have him back available. Forest need him. Rating: 8/10
Andre Ayew (for Awoniyi, 80mins): Contributed well during his time on the pitch. Rating: 7.5/10
Harry Toffolo (for Johnson, 86mins): Made an immediate impact, almost setting up Kouyate from a terrific run. Rating: 7.5/10
Subs not used: Hennessey, Lingard, Surridge, Freuler, Dennis.
How would you rate the Reds? Have your say in the comments below
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