Nottingham Forest claimed a valiant point against Arsenal as the Reds took another step away from West Ham in the Premier League.
The Reds went into the game knowing that their seven-point cushion had been cut to four after West Ham claimed a stunning win at Tottenham in a London derby.
However, Forest did keep the pressure on the Hammers with a superb point against the team who are the runaway leaders in the Premier League.
Sean Dyche hailed Ibrahim Sangare, who made his return from the African Cup of Nations but it was a night when a number of players stood up to be counted for the Reds.
Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson in action against Arsenal
Photo by Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images
Elliot Anderson returns to his best vs Arsenal
This was always going to be a big night for Elliot Anderson at the world-famous City Ground.
Anderson was coming up against his England teammate Declan Rice, and he won’t have wanted to be upstaged by the Arsenal star.
The fact that Rice wasn’t at his usual best is testimony to the performance produced by Anderson and Dyche, who completed a bit of a masterstroke with the youngster.
Last week, Anderson didn’t even travel to Wrexham for the FA Cup game, and Dyche’s decision proved to be the right one based on how well he played against the Gunners.
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Well rested, Anderson produced a masterclass in midfield, showcasing everything that Forest fans have grown to love during his 18 months at the City Ground.
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Forest have to command a huge transfer fee for Elliot Anderson
There is no getting away from the fact that Anderson will eventually leave Forest for a top European club.
Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United have all been linked with a move to sign the Forest midfielder at the end of the season.
Forest will understand their position in the food chain, and it’s vital that the club commands the highest possible transfer fee when the time does come to offload him.
Anything less than £100 million would have to be deemed an inadequate sum, and the top Premier League clubs must be ready to dig deep.
Anderson is still only 22, a regular with Forest and under Thomas Tuchel with England, whilst it’s impossible to ignore the British tax that the Reds will inevitably place on the player’s valuation.
In the short term, Anderson will hope to help Forest preserve their Premier League status but with performances like this, it feels impossible that the Reds can keep him for next season.
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