Chris Wood’s first goal for Nottingham Forest clinched a big point for Steve Cooper’s side as they came from behind to draw 1-1 with Manchester City.
The Reds spent most of the first 40 minutes on the back foot, but it still took a special strike to break them down. For all of City’s possession - and they had 84 percent of it in the first half - Keylor Navas hadn’t been kept too busy.
Forest defended stoically as they came under near-constant pressure. Joe Worrall made a big block to keep out Jack Grealish early on, while Rodri put a free header wide past the half hour.
READ MORE: How the action unfolded at the City Ground
READ MORE: Cooper names Forest team to face Man City
If the hosts were going to find a breakthrough, it looked as though it would have to come on a counterattack. Brennan Johnson and Morgan Gibbs-White got in with decent runs on a couple of occasions, but couldn’t make the opportunity count.
Still, the Reds were so close to making it to half-time all-square, only for Bernando Silva to put City in front. A corner was not cleared and Grealish laid the ball on for his teammate, who hit it first time with 41 minutes gone.
City had more chances after the interval and went close to increasing their lead. But Forest made them pay, by netting a late equaliser through Wood. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the City Ground.
Keylor Navas: Had a quiet first half, then kept his team still in with a chance after the break, making some strong saves - including one which would have made him wince. Rating: 8/10
Serge Aurier: Went down and needed treatment before he came off. Forest will desperately be hoping he hasn’t added his name to an already extensive injury list. Rating: 7.5/10
Joe Worrall: Responded to his critics with a really solid performance. Set the tone early on with a big block to thwart Jack Grealish. Led by example. Rating: 8/10
Felipe: Absolutely superb, typified by the way he bust a gut to get back and make a goal-saving challenge early in the second half. Looks an excellent signing. Rating: 8.5/10
Renan Lodi: Hopefully there was nothing in him coming off at the same time as Aurier. Had played his part in what had generally been a stoic back line. Rating: 7.5/10
Remo Freuler: Had his work cut out, but played a valuable role in helping to shield the defence when under plenty of pressure. Stood up to the challenge well. Rating: 7.5/10
Jack Colback: Gave it absolutely everything, putting in a real shift - as if that was ever in any doubt. Worked non-stop to help out the defence. Experience he brings on these occasions is incredibly useful. Rating: 7.5/10
Danilo: Set up a rare opening for the Reds in the first half with a lofted ball for Johnson to chase. Just needed a little more composure on the ball at other times but is clearly still adapting to English football. Rating: 6.5/10
Jonjo Shelvey: Deservedly kept his place in the starting XI. He’ll be a big asset in the second half of the season, even if he didn’t get to showcase his range of passing on this occasion. Rating: 7.5/10
Morgan Gibbs-White: Delightful assist for a crucial equaliser. Didn’t get too many chances to put those kind of balls in, but made it count. Rating: 7.5/10
Brennan Johnson: Linked up well with Gibbs-White for Wood’s goal. Had made a good run in the first half, but had lacked support on that occasion. Rating: 7.5/10
Subs
Neco Williams (for Colback, 58mins): Brought plenty of energy when he entered the fray. Rating: 7/10
Andre Ayew (for Danilo, 58mins): Helped to make a difference for the Reds in the second half. Rating: 7/10
Orel Mangala (for Shelvey, 72mins): Chipped in with plenty of valuable work to help clinch a big point. Rating: 7/10
Harry Toffolo (for Lodi, 79mins): A solid substitution to be able to call upon, and he did his job well. Rating: 7/10
Chris Wood (for Aurier, 79mins): What a time to get his first goal for the club. Could be a vital one, too. Rating: 7/10
Subs not used: Hennessey, Surridge, Dennis, Scarpa.
How would you rate the Forest players? Have your say in the comments below
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