Here are your Nottingham Forest headlines on Monday, May 29, 2023.
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Nottingham Forest ended the season with a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace as Taiwo Awoniyi continued his red-hot scoring streak.
The Reds went into the game pressure-free, having already secured Premier League safety. And they soon gave a jubilant away end further cause to cheer as they took the lead with 31 minutes gone.
Serge Aurier fired wide from a Moussa Niakhate throw early on, but it was Palace who had looked most likely to break the deadlock as they saw more of the ball. Eberechi Eze and Jordan Ayew both tried their luck, before the latter inadvertently blocked a shot on the turn from the former on the half hour. Wayne Hennessey was called into action in the immediate aftermath of that chance, palming away Will Hughes’ close-range effort.
No sooner had the hosts been denied, Forest opened the scoring. A delightful ball from Morgan Gibbs-White found Awoniyi, who raced forward then twisted and turned in the box before thumping past Sam Johnstone.
Special moment
Head coach Steve Cooper was pleased to give the away fans something to cheer as Nottingham Forest ended the season with a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace.
Taiwo Awoniyi’s goal - his 10th in the Premier League this term - had given the Reds the lead at Selhurst Park on the final day. But they had to settle for a point as Will Hughes replied for the hosts after the break.
With Forest having already secured survival, there was a party atmosphere among the travelling support which continued throughout. And they were able to enjoy a special moment with the players, Cooper, staff and owner Evangelos Marinakis after the final whistle. It epitomised the unity on and off the pitch which has played a huge part in the club staying up.
“We wanted a win,” Cooper said. “It was important to give the supporters a result. Our away support has been incredible this year, and we haven’t given them enough back in terms of results and sometimes performances.
Ayew action sparks response
Nottingham Forest celebrated survival with their fans on the final day of the season at Crystal Palace as the Reds ended the campaign with a 1-1 draw.
The Reds had taken the lead through Taiwo Awoniyi but Palace fought back to level through Will Hughes.
Forest had already been assured of safety after their win over Arsenal last weekend which meant a stress free day in the capital.
But there were jubilant scenes at the final whistle as the players went over to the supporters, although Andre Ayew appeared not to join in.
Instead, the striker, who has made just 13 appearances this term and started one game, stood back and clapped.
Luton keen?
Luton Town have reportedly identified Nottingham Forest striker Andre Ayew as a summer transfer target following their promotion to the Premier League.
The Hatters returned to the top flight after a 31-year absence yesterday by beating Coventry City on penalties at Wembley in a dramatic Championship playoff final.
And according to sportsworldghana, Luton's recruitment team have wasted no time in setting their sights on Ayew as one of their first signings.
Luton are said to want Premier League experience in order to help prevent a quick return to the Championship and will be the bookies' favourites for the drop given their lack of financial muscle.
Wilson verdict
Chief football officer Ross Wilson will play a key role this summer as Nottingham Forest aim to build on their Premier League platform.
Victory over Arsenal last weekend secured survival with a game to spare for the Reds, in their first year back in the top-flight for more than two decades. But head coach Steve Cooper has made clear the goal is to keep moving forward by targeting improvement on and off the pitch.
Wilson, who was appointed last month after sporting director Filippo Giraldi was axed, will have a significant influence on both aspects. And Cooper is looking forward to developing their relationship in the coming weeks and months.
"It's been good,” the Forest boss said of working with the former Rangers sporting director. “He's really experienced. He’s got great experience of building strategies. He's been in a technical director or sporting director role for a while now. I'm sure he's really looking forward to really putting his stamp on things now.
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