Nottingham Forest had to settle for a point against Everton, drawing 1-1 at Goodison Park, despite an opener from Brennan Johnson.
The visitors had to ride a storm in the opening quarter of an hour or so as they found themselves on the back foot. But with owner Evangelos Marinakis watching on, they grew into the game and began to threaten.
Dean Henderson made two good saves in quick succession as the 15-minute mark approached. The Manchester United loanee pushed away a well-hit effort from Anthony Gordon, then denied Demarai Gray soon after as the hosts kept up the pressure.
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Having struggled to get hold of the ball early on, Forest began to settle. Neco Williams forced Jordan Pickford into action with a driven strike, and Lewis O’Brien wasn’t too far away as he sent the loose ball over the bar.
Two of the Reds’ best openings fell to Taiwo Awoniyi. The striker fired straight at Pickford from close-range with 24 minutes gone, then, just past the half hour, couldn’t quite make the most of the opportunity when clean through. Caught in two minds of whether to pass or shoot, he tried to find Orel Mangala but got the ball wrong. His teammate still tested Pickford with a shot, though.
Henderson was on hand to keep out Mason Holgate and Gordon in the second half. They proved to be important stops as Johnson was quickest to react in the 81st minute when a Ryan Yates strike was parried.
That looked like being the winner, only for Gray to grab an equaliser in the closing minutes. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at Goodison Park.
Dean Henderson: Will prove to be a really important signing if he keeps up the form of his first three games. Made some superb saves. A shame it didn’t end in a clean-sheet. Rating: 8/10
Joe Worrall: Picked himself up from an early booking and made some big blocks. Had a few tough moments, though, and might have done better for the equaliser. Rating: 6/10
Steve Cook: Made some important clearances and brought an experienced head when the Reds came under pressure. Back line had their work cut out at times. Rating: 7/10
Scott McKenna: Defence had a tough time of it early on, but did well to keep the hosts at bay during that spell. Did his best to keep things simple when he needed to. Rating: 7/10
Neco Williams: Looked lively when the Reds began to see more of the ball, and had a couple of decent efforts at goal. Seems to have slotted into the team nicely. Rating: 7.5/10
Orel Mangala: Once Forest settled into the match, began to show his class. A shame to see him forced off - having seemingly picked up a knock - as was having a terrific game. Rating: 8/10
Lewis O’Brien: Midfield found the going tough early on, but worked hard to get a foothold in the match. Wasn’t too far away from getting on the scoresheet. Rating: 7/10
Harry Toffolo: Worked hard throughout, with constant running. Didn’t always get to have an impact on proceedings, but still did an important job. Rating: 7/10
Jesse Lingard: Found it tough to get into the game. Had some bright moments and showed promise. Is clearly still building up his fitness. Rating: 6/10
Brennan Johnson: This time he is up and running in the Premier League. Had been having a fairly quiet game, but was quickest to react when the opportunity presented itself and showed a cool head. Rating: 7.5/10
Taiwo Awoniyi: Had the ability to cause Everton problems at times. Just looked a bit nervous in the big moments, not being able to take advantage of a couple of openings in the first half. Rating: 6/10
Subs
Ryan Yates (for Mangala, 55mins): Had a few attempts, with the second leading to Johnson’s goal. Did well. Rating: 7.5/10
Morgan Gibbs-White (for Awoniyi, 60mins): Made an impact almost as soon as he came on with a brilliant bit of play. Looks exciting. Rating: 7.5/10
Cheikhou Kouyate (for Lingard, 83mins): Didn’t get to see too much of him on his debut. Rating: 6/10
Subs not used: Hennessey, Biancone, Freuler, Mighten, Surridge, Dennis.
Who was your man of the match against Everton? Have your say in the comments below
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