Callum Hudson-Odoi reduced a point for Nottingham Forest as they came from behind to draw 1-1 at Crystal Palace and maintain their unbeaten start to the season.
The build-up to the clash in the capital had been dominated by talk about Nuno Espirito Santo’s future as Reds head coach following an extraordinary press conference on Friday lunchtime. A game already in the spotlight courtesy of this summer’s Europa League saga concerning the two teams suddenly took on even greater importance.
Amid a febrile atmosphere, it proved to be a fast-paced start to the game in south London. Both sides forged openings early on, with Chris Wood going close for the visitors when he got on the end of a Morgan Gibbs-White cross. It took until the half-hour for the game to produce its first meaningful save, though, as Matz Sels denied Jean-Philippe Mateta from range.
Soon afterwards, the Eagles took the lead. Ismaila Sarr was left free to fire home from inside the box following a cross from the right. It could have been worse for Forest at the break as the hosts had further chances in the first half, with Marc Guehi hitting the post just before the interval.
Little more than 10 minutes after the turnaround, however, the Reds drew level when Hudson-Odoi raced onto a Dan Ndoye pass and beat Dean Henderson. Igor Jesus and Omari Hutchinson almost snatched three points for Nuno’s men at the death but they had to settle for a point in the capital. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at Selhurst Park.
Matz Sels: Won’t be happy with his defence for leaving Sarr free to make it 1-0. Had made a solid save to thwart Mateta before that, but Forest were perhaps fortunate their opponents did not make the most of other opportunities before half-time. Rating: 7/10
Ola Aina: Caught out on a few occasions, although could have done with a bit more help from Ndoye ahead of him before the break. Looked to push forward when he got the opportunity, particularly in the second half. Rating: 7/10
Nikola Milenkovic: Did his best to keep things simple at the back when Palace upped the intensity as the game wore on. Made some important interventions, although it was poor defending all round for Sarr’s goal. Rating: 7/10
Murillo: Alert to the danger early on when the hosts looked to start on the front foot. Generally steady alongside Milenkovic at the heart of the defence, although the opener was sloppy from all concerned. Rating: 7/10
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky Sports deal
Neco Williams: There will have been a sharp intake of breath on the Forest bench when the Welshman required a spot of treatment in the second half. If anything highlighted the need to sign full-back cover before the window closes, it was that moment. Fortunately he was able to continue. Rating: 8/10
Ibrahim Sangare: Settled down as the match went on after looking a bit off the pace during the opening proceedings. Partnership with Anderson does have promise but the former PSV man will know newcomer Douglas Luiz will be breathing down his neck. Rating: 7/10
Elliot Anderson: Got through a lot of work as he put a big shift in. Not everything came off and the Reds didn’t have it all their own way but the midfielder got more involved in the second half after a flat opening 45 all round from the visitors. Rating: 7/10
Dan Ndoye: A below-par opening 45 minutes but made up for it with a moment of brilliance in the second half. Switching flanks worked wonders for the summer signing and he played a terrific pass for fellow wide man Hudson-Odoi to level the scores. Rating: 7/10
Morgan Gibbs-White: Not quite the performance he would have wanted under the watchful eye of England boss Thomas Tuchel. Started off at the centre of things but had a tricky few minutes during the first half, including giving the ball away prior to the opener. Rating: 6.5/10
Callum Hudson-Odoi: Superb equaliser to get off the mark for the campaign - different from his trademark cut-inside finish, too. Kept his composure after racing onto Ndoye’s ball and took his goal very well. Just what Forest needed. Rating: 7.5/10
Chris Wood: On the back of last weekend’s brace, a bit of a surprise the New Zealander didn’t add to his tally when he missed a good chance early on. Aside from that moment, not too many other opportunities in front of goal. Rating: 6/10
Subs
James McAtee (for Hudson-Odoi, 71mins): Eager to get involved during the final 20 minutes or so. Difficult to show what he is really about in that time, though. Rating: 6/10
Arnaud Kalimuendo (for Ndoye, 71mins): Showed a turn of pace at times, in a sign of what he has to offer. Took up position on the wing when he came on. Rating: 6.5/10
Omari Hutchinson (for Gibbs-White, 81mins): Couldn’t find the finish when the ball fell to him on the rebound from Jesus’ late effort. Just needed a bit more composure. Rating: 6/10
Igor Jesus (for Wood, 88mins): Desperately close to bagging a winner in added time. Unfortunate to hit the post as that would have been some impact from the Brazilian. Rating: 7/10
Ryan Yates (for Sangare, 88mins): Didn’t really have time to get into the game after coming on for the closing stages. Almost helped his team get a win, but not quite. Rating: 6/10
Subs not used: Gunn, Morato, Luiz, Boly.
How would you rate the Reds against Palace? Click HERE to have your say