Nottingham Forest put in a battling performance to come away with a 0-0 draw against Brighton and Hove Albion.
It wasn’t one for the purists, with the visitors having to grind out a result. They came under long spells of pressure, but moved off the foot of the table with a point.
The Reds were on the back foot for much of the first half as they struggled to put a string of passes together. They went in at the break having had 32 percent possession and without having mustered a single shot.
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Brighton, by contrast, created plenty of chances. Forest had Dean Henderson and the woodwork to thank for ensuring the score was goalless at the interval.
Henderson was first called into action before the quarter-hour, denying Leandro Trossard after he had cut inside and let fly. Joel Veltman then sent an effort sailing over, following a corner, before Trossard rattled the bar with half an hour gone.
That led to a busy few minutes for Henderson. Solly March, Pascal Gross and Danny Welbeck all tested the Reds goalkeeper but couldn’t force a breakthrough, and the half ended with Adam Webster firing over the bar.
The visitors did improve somewhat in the second half, however. In the 58th minute, they registered their first effort at goal. It was a good run by Brennan Johnson, but his strike was well off target, going out for a throw-in.
Still, it sparked something. Ryan Yates went on to drag a shot wide shortly after. Henderson had to make a big save to thwart Gross in the final 10 minutes, ensuring he kept a precious clean-sheet. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the Amex Stadium.
Dean Henderson: Came to the rescue a number of times as Brighton had some big chances. Made a particularly crucial save in the final 10 minutes. Could be an important clean-sheet. Rating: 7.5/10
Serge Aurier: Didn’t seem particularly happy to be brought off. It had been a tough evening, though - the visitors were coming under near-constant pressure. Rating: 6/10
Steve Cook: Chipped in with some important blocks and clearances. Keeping a clean-sheet should provide a big boost all round. Rating: 7/10
Scott McKenna: Won a fair few headers as the ball just kept coming in Forest’s direction. Had to really dig in at times, with the hosts dominating possession. Rating: 7/10
Neco Williams: Looked more comfortable when he switched to the right side, having been on the left for much of the game. Got forward more in the second half. Rating: 6/10
Orel Mangala: Good to see him in the starting XI again and he will feel the benefit of more minutes on the pitch. Did pretty well, considering Forest saw so little of the ball. Rating: 6.5/10
Ryan Yates: A real warrior. Went in where it hurts more than once, constantly getting stuck in and battling away. Touch wasn’t always there, but at least registered an effort at goal. Rating: 7.5/10
Remo Freuler: Helped to protect the back line when he could, with Brighton trying to take advantage of the Reds sitting deep. Showed some neat touches. Rating: 7/10
Morgan Gibbs-White: A tough evening from an attacking perspective as the visitors had a hard time keeping hold of the ball for much of the match. Put a shift in in the second half, though. Rating: 6/10
Brennan Johnson: Had to survive on scraps for much of the first half, with next to no service. Still, kept working hard and was better after the break - managed to get a shot away. Rating: 6/10
Jesse Lingard: Barely touched the ball, in what was a particularly quiet game for the summer signing. Given his chance back in the starting line-up, but struggled to provide a spark. Rating: 6/10
Subs
Cheikhou Kouyate (for Mangala, 64mins): Contributed to an improved second half for the visitors, but it was still tough going. Rating: 6/10
Harry Toffolo (for Aurier, 69mins): Looked to pick up a knock shortly after coming on. Had done okay in his time on the pitch, though. Rating: 6/10
Giulian Biancone (for Toffolo, 86mins): Made a probing run in the closing stages, but the Reds couldn’t get anything from it. Rating: 6.5/10
Joe Worrall (for Lingard, 86mins): Helped his team see out the closing minutes to clinch a point. Rating: 6/10
Taiwo Awoniyi (for Johnson, 86mins): Almost netted a late goal, albeit inadvertently. Rating: 6/10
Subs not used: Hennssey, Surridge, Dennis, Boly.
Who was your Forest man of the match? Have your say in the comments below
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