Brennan Johnson’s brace clinched a huge 2-0 victory for Nottingham Forest over East Midlands rivals Leicester City.
A high-tempo start saw chances at both ends of the pitch early on. The Reds had their moments, but they survived a huge let-off when the Foxes spurned a golden opportunity to break the deadlock.
Ryan Yates had a couple of sights of goal inside the opening 10 minutes, while Morgan Gibbs-White couldn’t quite capitalise on a lovely bit of play which came from a delightful Gustavo Scarpa crossfield pass.
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Barely a minute later, City could have gone in front. Harvey Barnes had already drawn Dean Henderson into action, then fired wide when free inside the box.
It marked the start of a decent spell for the visitors. Although Scarpa tried his luck at the other end, there was a sigh of relief when a Youri Tielemans effort deflected off Scott McKenna and flew just wide.
Forest came back into it just before the break, and they might have done better with a nice move after pressing from Johnson and Gibbs-White forced a turnover. The ball came to Serge Aurier, via Yates, but the defender’s cross flew across the face of goal.
Barnes missed another big chance after the break. And the Reds made him pay as Johnson netted with 56 minutes gone, after a VAR check ruled he was onside from Gibbs-White’s pass.
Forest had to hang on at times in the closing stages, but Johnson wrapped up the points with his second late on.
Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the City Ground.
Dean Henderson: A worry to see him go down after taking a kick, seemingly injuring himself. Was able to continue but didn’t look entirely comfortable in the final minutes. Had barely been troubled. Rating: 7/10
Serge Aurier: Has he had a bad game yet? Immense. Again. Gave it his all and played some delightful balls. Has become a key part of that back line. Rating: 8.5/10
Joe Worrall: Had to stand strong at times when the Foxes had spells on top. Will take a lot from a well-earned, confidence-boosting clean-sheet. Rating: 7.5/10
Scott McKenna: Came through some periods of pressure. Might have been caught out on one particular occasion in the first half, but otherwise did well. Rating: 7/10
Renan Lodi: Superb. An outstanding performance, typified by some delightful balls into the box, combative defending and a cool-as-you-like close-range chest-back to Henderson. Rating: 8.5/10
Remo Freuler: A wild shot aside, had a decent game. Some nice passing in spells when the hosts were in control. Played his part in a huge win. Rating: 7.5/10
Ryan Yates: A shame to see him seemingly forced off with a knock. Got to hope it’s not serious as that would be the last thing Forest need. Had battled well and had a couple of chances. Rating: 7/10
Orel Mangala: Competed well enough when the game got a bit scrappy. Perhaps could have done with a little more composure at times with his passing. Rating: 7/10
Gustavo Scarpa: Heck of a diagonal pass which led to an opening for Gibbs-White. He certainly has an eye for them and can ping the ball. Rating: 7.5/10
Brennan Johnson: Kept his cool to round Danny Ward and roll the ball in for the opener, then finished expertly for his second. A lovely, lovely brace. Rating: 8.5/10
Morgan Gibbs-White: Brilliant double assist for Johnson - there’s a nice connection developing between the two of them. A delight to watch. Rating: 8.5/10
Substitutes
Jack Colback (for Yates, 46mins): Don’t underestimate how important the experience he brings can be. Solid, as usual. Rating: 7/10
Sam Surridge (for Scarpa, 54mins): Contributed well. Can’t help but feel he just needs one to go in to get him going. Rating: 7/10
Lewis O’Brien (for Mangala, 70mins): Had some positive moments and picked himself up after a nasty-looking challenge. Rating: 7/10
Neco Williams (for Johnson, 86mins): Helped to see out the final minutes for a crucial three points. Rating: 7/10
Not used: Hennessey, Cook, Toffolo, Dennis, Mighten.
Who was your Forest man of the match? Have your say in the comments below
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