Emmanuel Dennis’ first goal for the club brought an end to a five-match losing run as Nottingham Forest drew 1-1 with Aston Villa.
The front man came into the starting XI as one of five changes at the City Ground. But the hosts had to settle for a point as their visitors came from behind to earn a share of the spoils.
The Reds faithful made clear what they thought of Steve Cooper having put pen to paper on a new contract in the build-up to the game. The head coach received a terrific reception and a standing ovation as he walked out of the tunnel to take his place in the dugout, amid a cracking atmosphere ahead of kick-off.
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The noise level then went up another notch when the hosts got off to the perfect start. On the quarter hour, Dennis opened the scoring with a well-taken header from Morgan Gibbs-White’s free-kick.
But the lead lasted less than 10 minutes. Dean Henderson was beaten from range as Ashley Young fired in a fine strike from outside the box.
The two goals aside, chances were hard to come by at either end of the pitch before the break. Villa thought they had gone in front a few minutes after the leveller, when Ollie Watkins converted Jacob Ramsey’s cross. Forest breathed a sigh of relief when the offside flag was raised.
Gibbs-White sent an effort off target past the hour, while Cheikhou Kouyate drew a fine save from Emiliano Martinez. But there was no way through for either side in the closing minutes as it finished a point apiece. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the City Ground.
Dean Henderson: What is it with screamers from long-range this season? Didn’t have too many saves to make otherwise. Could have done with releasing the ball quicker at times. Rating: 6/10
Serge Aurier: Was left walking a tightrope after a needless early booking. No surprise that he was brought off before the hour as Villa tried to capitalise on that. Rating: 6/10
Steve Cook: Picked up a needless yellow card just past the quarter-hour. In general, though, the Reds did look more solid - despite coming under spells of pressure. Rating: 6.5/10
Scott McKenna: Some excellent defending when the hosts came under the cosh, including a last-ditch clearance in the second half. Contributed to a better all-round performance. Rating: 7/10
Harry Toffolo: Seemed determined to make the most of his chance back in the XI. Steady defensively, including doing well to track an Ollie Watkins run in the first half. Rating: 6.5/10
Cheikhou Kouyate: Tested the goalkeeper with a thumping effort in the second half. An improvement on last Monday’s performance, although could still have done with imposing himself on the game more. Rating: 6/10
Ryan Yates: On it from the start. Led by example as he threw himself into every challenge and never stopped working, digging in when he had to. Rating: 7.5/10
Remo Freuler: Really good on the ball. Forest looked much better for the change in shape; more compact. Worked well alongside Yates. Rating: 7/10
Brennan Johnson: Didn’t see as much of the ball as he would have liked. No shortage of fighting spirit, though, even on a fairly quiet evening. Rating: 6/10
Emmanuel Dennis: Nice way to get off the mark on his first league start; a lovely header. Looked bright at times, but guilty of giving the ball away a little too often. Rating: 6/10
Morgan Gibbs-White: Great assist for Dennis’ opener. Involved in some promising passages of play, Forest were just lacking when it came to end product to make the most of them. Rating: 6.5/10
Subs
Neco Williams (for Aurier, 57mins): Added some energy in the second half. Stood firm when Villa searched for a winner. Rating: 6/10
Sam Surridge (for Dennis, 71mins): Kept Villa on their toes as he chased every ball. Just didn’t get a chance in front of goal. Rating: 6/10
Lewis O’Brien (for Gibbs-White, 90mins): Helped see out the final minutes to earn a point. Rating: 6/10
Subs not used: Hennessey, Worrall, Mangala, Awoniyi, Lingard, Boly.
Who was your Forest man of the match? Have your say in the comments below
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