Nottingham Forest’s ambitions for a top-four finish in the Premier League suffered a significant setback as they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat against Everton at the City Ground.
The match remained goalless until stoppage time, when Abdoulaye Doucouré pounced on a defensive error by Murillo to give Everton the lead and surely, the victory.
Throughout the game, Nottingham Forest struggled to assert dominance, with Everton creating more clear-cut opportunities.
Despite the return of striker Chris Wood, Forest’s attacking efforts were stifled by Everton’s disciplined defense. Wood, who had been sidelined due to injury, found it difficult to make a significant impact against the Toffees’ backline.
The defeat marks Forest’s second consecutive loss, following a previous 2-1 loss to Aston Villa, which has now left them vulnerable in the race for Champions League qualification.
They remain in third place with 57 points from 32 games, but their cushion over sixth-placed Chelsea has narrowed to just four points, with Chelsea having a game in hand.
Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo acknowledged his team’s underwhelming performance, stating, “We were not good. We have to bounce back.”
The pressure is mounting as the season approaches its climax, and Forest must rediscover their form to secure a coveted top-four spot.
Meanwhile, Everton’s victory lifts them to 14th place with 38 points, providing a morale boost as they aim to finish the season strongly. Doucouré’s late heroics not only earned three crucial points for the Toffees but also dealt a blow to Forest’s European aspirations.
