Brennan Johnson’s double saw Nottingham Forest twice come from behind to draw 2-2 with Everton in a tense game Trentside.
A generally below-par first half left the Reds trailing at the break. Having got back on level terms, they then shot themselves in the foot with some sloppy defending which allowed the visitors to retake the lead.
Everton had opened the scoring with 10 minutes on the clock. A clumsy challenge by Jonjo Shelvey on Dwight McNeil saw referee John Brooks point to the spot, with Demarai Gray subsequently thumping the ball home.
READ MORE: How the action unfolded at the City Ground
READ MORE: Cooper names Forest team to face Everton
Forest responded with the leveller nine minutes later. Morgan Gibbs-White’s effort was parried by Jordan Pickford and Johnson was on hand to slot home.
That got the Reds’ tails up and they began to play with more intensity. But just when they had a platform to build on, Everton made the most of a contentious free-kick as Abdoulaye Doucoure headed in.
Chances were few and far between in the second half. But Johnson came to the rescue again with 13 minutes to go to extend Forest’s unbeaten run at home to nine games in the league.
Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the City Ground.
Keylor Navas: Let down by some sloppy defending for Everton’s goals. Didn’t have too many saves to make otherwise, but needed to remain calm. Rating: 6/10
Serge Aurier: A boost to have him available again. Caught out a few times defensively, particularly in spells when the Reds looked nervy, but experience is still crucial. Rating: 6/10
Joe Worrall: Back line as a whole did have a fair few nervy moments when the Toffees were in the ascendancy. Forest won’t be happy with the goals conceded. Rating: 6/10
Felipe: Physical style of defending came to the fore at times - he’s not afraid of getting stuck in. Did try to bring it out from the back when he could, with some decent runs. Rating: 6/10
Renan Lodi: Chipped in with plenty of tackles as the visitors made it a physical contest. Could have done with him offering more going forward at times. Rating: 6.5/10
Remo Freuler: Has suffered a dip in performance levels in the last couple of games. Caught out for Everton’s second, when Doucoure got in front of him. Rating: 5/10
Jack Colback: Midfield battle wasn’t a particularly pretty one for much of the game, with Everton generally on top. Had to keep plugging away. Rating: 5.5/10
Jonjo Shelvey: Clumsy tackle for the penalty set the Reds off on the wrong foot. Picked himself up after that and never gave up. Rating: 6/10
Morgan Gibbs-White: Kept trying to make things happen, didn’t always come off but had a hand in both of Johnson’s goals. Forest felt he was fouled in the build-up to Everton’s second. Rating: 7.5/10
Brennan Johnson: The hero of the hour. How crucial could those two goals prove to be? When the Reds really needed him, he came up trumps. Rating: 8/10
Chris Wood: Played his part in the equaliser, setting up Gibbs-White for the initial shot. Struggled to get involved too much otherwise, though. Rating: 5.5/10
SUBSTITUTES
Ryan Yates (for Colback, 70 mins): An immediate impact from the midfielder on his comeback, weighing in with an assist. Good to have him back. Rating: 7/10
Emmanuel Dennis (for Freuler, 70 mins): Tried to be positive when he got the ball and did win some important challenges. Rating: 6/10
Andre Ayew (for Wood, 71 mins): Forced a decent save as the hosts pushed for a winner. Rating: 6/10
Not used: Hennessey, Mangala, Williams, Lingard, Toffolo, Surridge.
Who was your Forest man of the match? Have your say in the comments below
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