Nottingham Forest’s 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace was, in no uncertain terms, a s*** show. But despite the unceremonious collapse and profligacy in front of goal, was there something to be hopeful about?
Rockybiggs, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Closing on the 40-minute mark at Selhurst Park, the obvious question emerged: would Nottingham Forest come to regret their missed opportunities? That most Foresty of situations was quickly answered as Crystal Palace scored twice before half time.
Forest had 16 shots in the first half, four on target. For around half an hour we were rampant, dominating the home side and pulling them apart in ways they simply could not cope with. If we could’ve been three up after half an hour, it could’ve been five before half time.
Perhaps it’s too much to expect every opportunity to hit the back of the net — but three would’ve done. Not only was the Reds’ xG at least equal to a 3-3 draw — but only Blackburn Rovers have bettered their big chances in a match they went on to lose. That’s since records began in 2010-11.
So, in a way, there is some hope given that we didn’t play spectacularly badly — the Eagles’ second goal had a strong suspicion of handball. But — a big but — our lack of composure and ruthlessness cost us badly. Liam Delap and Chris Wood should’ve scored and, perhaps, if one of them were fully fit and in killer form, then things wouldn’t look so bad.
Dan Ndoye was a menace to the Palace defence and should’ve added to his early goal. Daniel Munoz might’ve scored one. And on another day — just think back to Sunderland away in April — we might have wrapped things up by half time.
Defensive lapses cost us — and a back five lacking Jair Cunha and Nikola Milenkovic weren’t as well drilled as they might’ve been. A first-choice XI, or indeed that XI, probably look a different team in a few months. Once they all know each other, once they all know the patterns of play and the movements expected of them, we will become more solid.
As for up front, all the attacking players will rue those missed opportunities — and they will no doubt work on being more clinical. Delap only has to place the ball under the keeper deftly to score, Wood only has to head the ball either side of the keeper to score.
It was a horrific collapse to watch but, having been absolutely relentless for most of the first half, there is still much to look forward to. Oliver Glasner knows, as much as many of us do, that this is a project that is going to take some time — admittedly, we do need to see some results soon.
At least we aren’t playing the reigning champions on Sunday. Buckle up.
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