Brennan Johnson’s goal clinched an important victory for Nottingham Forest as they beat Leeds United 1-0 at the City Ground.
The Reds had Keylor Navas to thank for ensuring they went in at the break with their lead intact. The deadline day signing had a busy first 45 minutes in front of the Trent End.
Johnson opened the scoring in impressive style before the quarter-hour mark, lashing in a volley after a Morgan Gibbs-White free-kick had only been half-cleared. Gibbs-White had a shot blocked soon after, but the hosts spent much of the first half on the back foot.
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Navas had already been called into action inside the opening two minutes, thwarting Luis Sinisterra after he broke through. And the PSG loanee pulled off a string of important saves to keep the scoreline at 1-0 going into half-time.
Sinisterra skied a good chance over the bar from Wilfried Gnonto’s ball across the face on the half hour. Navas then twice denied Luke Ayling and made a strong save from Gnonto just before the whistle.
Gibbs-White and Neco Williams had opportunities to increase Forest’s lead after the interval, while substitute Sam Surridge wasn’t far away as the clock ticked towards the final 10 minutes. The hosts had to survive spells of pressure, but held on to take the three points. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at Old Trafford.
Keylor Navas: Heck of a debut from the PSG loanee. A one-man road-block in the first 45 minutes, when he single-handedly kept his team in front. Thoroughly deserved his clean-sheet. Rating: 9/10
Neco Williams: Had a job on his hands trying to keep tabs on Gnonto in the first half. Had some promising moments after the break, when he moved to the left wing. Rating: 8/10
Willy Boly: A colossus at the back, with the Reds under the cosh for much of the game. Constantly put his body on the line and showed great composure. Rating: 8.5/10
Scott McKenna: Solid alongside Boly as Leeds applied plenty of pressure. Made some crucial clearances to help keep the visitors at bay. Clean-sheet will do his confidence the world of good. Rating: 8/10
Renan Lodi: Another fine run-out from the left-back. Defended well and tried to push forward when he got the chance. In great form at the moment. Rating: 8/10
Orel Mangala: Some neat touches, but the midfield in general had their work cut out in the first half. Forest needed him to take a tighter grip on the game. Rating: 6/10
Remo Freuler: Got through a lot of work to help provide the back line with some protection - not an easy task. Got better as the game went on. Rating: 7/10
Danilo: A wise decision to bring the Brazilian off at half-time. Had been walking a very fine tightrope after picking up a booking for a naughty challenge. Rating: 6/10
Morgan Gibbs-White: A huge boost to have him back from injury. It makes such a difference when he’s in the side. Showed his quality again, including with the free-kick for Johnson’s goal. Rating: 7.5/10
Brennan Johnson: Superb strike to net his fifth Premier League goal of the season. Pick that one out! Made some dangerous runs, too. Rating: 7.5/10
Chris Wood: A very quiet performance from the striker. Had next to no service, but decision-making sometimes let him down when he did get the ball. Rating: 5.5/10
Subs
Jack Colback (for Danilo, 46mins): A great option to bring on when the game needed someone to take control in midfield. Got a huge roar from the crowd when he went straight in with a challenge. Rating: 7.5/10
Serge Aurier (for Mangala, 46mins): Excellent when he came on. Cool on the ball when the hosts were on the back foot. Rating: 7.5/10
Sam Surridge (for Wood, 74mins): So close to getting on the scoresheet. Didn’t stop running during his time on the pitch. Rating: 7.5/10
Andre Ayew (for Williams, 89mins): Didn’t get much chance to show what he can do in a short debut appearance. Rating: 6/10
Subs not used: Hennessey, Worrall, Lingard, Scarpa, Felipe.
Who was your Forest man of the match? Have your say in the comments below
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