Nottingham Forest claimed a big 3-2 victory in an entertaining game away to Manchester United on Saturday evening.
Making their second trip to Manchester in the space of a few days, the Reds were looking for a different outcome after Wednesday night’s 3-0 defeat at reigning champions City. And they got off to the perfect start, taking the lead with less than two minutes on the clock courtesy of a bullet header from Nikola Milenkovic.
No sooner had they gone in front, however, Forest were on the back foot for a long spell. With Nuno Espirito Santo’s side under pressure, it looked like an equaliser was coming and it duly arrived in the 18th minute. Matz Sels thwarted Alejandro Garnacho but Rasmus Hojlund was well placed to slot in the rebound.
Both sides then hit the woodwork before the break. Jota Silva’s header crashed off the bar for the Reds and a Bruno Fernandes free-kick did the same for the hosts.
The break gave Forest a chance to regroup and they emerged for the second half with much more intent. Morgan Gibbs-White put them back in front almost immediately after the restart before Chris Wood made it 3-1.
The game wasn’t done, though, as Fernandes pulled one back on the hour. The Reds came under the cosh in the closing stages but held on to secure all three points. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at Old Trafford.
Matz Sels: Made some important saves as the Reds were tested at times. Not too much he could do about United’s goals but kept calm amid late pressure. Rating: 8/10
Ola Aina: Had his work cut out for much of the evening as was all hands to the pump at times, particularly in the closing stages. Kept his composure, though, and made some good forward runs. Rating: 8.5/10
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Premier League
Nikola Milenkovic: Terrific header for his first goal for the club; really attacked the corner to open the scoring with aplomb. A few tricky moments defensively, though, as Forest’s back line came under pressure. Rating: 8/10
Murillo: Showcased his passing skills, including with an excellent free-kick which led to Jota’s chance. Inches away from getting on the scoresheet just before the interval. Rating: 8.5/10
Neco Williams: Deserved his recall to the XI and didn’t let the manager down. Not an easy game to come through, by any means, but played his part in a memorable victory. Rating: 8/10
Ryan Yates: Midfield was overrun in the first half as the Reds came under the cosh for a long spell. A tough 45 minutes for the skipper but the second half was better. Rating: 7.5/10
Elliot Anderson: Set the visitors on their way with a lovely corner for Milenkovic to open the scoring from. Got through a lot of work as Forest had to weather a few storms. Rating: 8/10
Jota Silva: At the heart of much of the Reds’ positive play, particularly in an energetic first half performance. Went close to getting on the scoresheet a couple of times, being unlucky with his header which hit the bar. Rating: 8.5/10
Morgan Gibbs-White: Superb strike from the edge of the D to restore Forest’s lead with his second of the season. Had been quiet up until that point but the goal sparked him into life and he was on form in the second half. Rating: 8/10
Callum Hudson-Odoi: A couple of really nice moments, setting up Gibbs-White’s goal as well as a chance for Jota in the first half. Hopefully those passages of play can be a confidence booster. Rating: 8/10
Chris Wood: Terrific looping header to become Forest’s all-time leading scorer in the Premier League with 25 goals. Could easily have had a hat-trick to mark his 33rd birthday as had a couple of other big chances. Rating: 8/10
Subs
Morato (for Jota, 67mins): Brought on to try to help the Reds retain their lead as Nuno tweaked formation. Had to stand up to a tough test. Rating: 8/10
Nicolas Dominguez (for Gibbs-White, 78mins): Added some fresh legs late on. Forest needed that energy as it was tough going late on. Rating: 7.5/10
Anthony Elanga (for Wood, 78mins): Didn’t get much of an opportunity to make an impact against his former club. Did his bit for the team, though. Rating: 7.5/10
Taiwo Awoniyi (for Hudson-Odoi, 89mins): Barely got much of a look at the ball. Helped the Reds see out a nervy period of stoppage time, though. Rating: 7/10
Subs not used: Miguel, Toffolo, Ward-Prowse, Sosa, Boly.
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