Forest boss believes team’s push for a Champions League spot will go down to the final day, after a hard-earned draw at Crystal Palace kept top-five hopes alive
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo believes the race for a top-five finish will go right down to the wire after his team earned a valuable 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday night.
The point keeps Forest’s Champions League hopes alive, as they remain in a tight battle near the top of the Premier League table with just a few games to go.
It was a hard-fought contest in south London, with both sides creating chances in a cagey first half. Palace went ahead on the hour mark when Matz Sels brought down Tyrick Mitchell in the box, and a penalty was awarded after a VAR check. Eberechi Eze stepped up and calmly converted.
Forest responded almost immediately. Just four minutes later, Murillo found the net after Neco Williams fired a shot across the area. The Brazilian defender reacted quickly to steer it past Dean Henderson and level the game.
Palace had more opportunities late on, with Eze hitting the crossbar and Eddie Nketiah seeing a stoppage-time goal ruled out for offside. But Forest held on to earn a draw, their ninth straight league match without defeat against Palace (W3, D6).
After the match, Nuno praised his side’s mentality and their improved performance following a recent dip in form.
“We reacted well from the previous performance and from the blow we got from the penalty of Palace,” he said.
“We were in control of the game. We created and dominated a lot. The second half was different, it was a good reaction, but Palace created problems.”
Nuno also pointed out how difficult it is to face Palace at home and highlighted the importance of his team’s quick response to going behind.
“We were much improved from last week, especially when we went behind. It’s very important, it’s the crucial moment of the game to react so quickly but then the game became a bit crazy [with Palace’s late chances].”
Next up for Forest is a home game against Leicester City, who have already been relegated. But Nuno isn’t taking anything for granted.
“We have to do our job at the City Ground. We play Leicester and it’s going to be tough. [The race for top five] is for sure going all the way.”
