Nottingham Forest 1-1 Crystal Palace: Forest out of relegation zone ...

30 Mar 2024

Sky Sports

Nottingham Forest 11 Crystal Palace Forest out of relegation zone

Report and free match highlights as Jean-Philippe Matetas first-half goal saw Crystal Palace into an early lead; Chris Woods looping header equalised for Nottingham Forest; the club were deducted four points for breaching the Premier Leagues financial rul

Nottingham Forest have moved out of the relegation zone in their first game since their Premier League points deduction, drawing 1-1 against Crystal Palace

Forest were docked four points on March 18 for breaching the league's financial rules, which they are in the process of appealing against. It had seen them drop into the bottom three as a result.

Crystal Palace took an early lead at the City Ground - where there were banners in protest over the deduction - as Jean-Philippe Mateta (10) fired home after some fine team play.

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However, Nottingham Forest reacted well and, despite a lack of cutting edge in the first half, deservedly equalised just after the hour. Wood's looping header beat an indecisive Dean Henderson, the striker scoring for a second Premier League game in a row.

The result sees Forest out of the relegation places on goal difference, with Luton losing at Tottenham, while Crystal Palace remain in 14th with 30 points.

Spoils shared at the City Ground

It was a wonderfully-worked team goal as Crystal Palace went ahead. Jefferson Lerma found Eberechi Eze with a sublime pass, with the winger in turn slotting back for the waiting Mateta. It was then a fine finish from the striker for his sixth Premier League goal of the season.

Nottingham Forest reacted brilliantly well to going behind, but ended the first half with just one shot on target. It was a mix of good Crystal Palace defending and lack of a cutting edge, with former Forest goalkeeper Henderson making just one save of note, punching away a Morgan Gibbs-White corner.

Team news headlines

Nottingham Forest made three changes. Callum Hudson-Odoi, Felipe and Ola Aina came into the XI, replacing Willy Boly, Harry Toffolo and Anthony Elanga.
Crystal Palace made one change after their last Premier League game three weeks ago. Dean Henderson returned in between the sticks after Sam Johnstone returned from international duty with an elbow injury.

The south Londoners ended the first half stronger, and should have doubled their lead. It was a superb ball from Adam Wharton to find Eze's run into the area. He only had Matz Sels to beat, but the goalkeeper stretched himself wide to see Eze's attempt away.

Wharton and Eze combined again early in the second half. It was a sublime pass from the midfielder to pick out Eze's run into space down the left of the box, but his eventual cross flashed across the face of goal.

Forest finally gave Henderson some work to do as his parried a fine Callum Hudson-Odoi shot soon after, but the goalkeeper's indecision cost Crystal Palace for the eventual equaliser.

Some lovely Forest play saw Gibbs-White float a great ball into the area. Wood let the ball ping off the back of his head, with Henderson left stranded in the middle. It then looped over the goalkeeper and into the back of the net.

There were chances for both to nab a winner. Gio Reyna forced a save from Henderson, while Crystal Palace hit the woodwork late on - although the final touch looked to glance off the head of Neco Williams.

Player ratings

Nottingham Forest:Sels (7), Williams (6), Felipe (7), Murillo (6), Aina (6), Yates (7), Sangare (6), Origi (6), Gibbs-White (8), Hudson-Odoi (8), Wood (7).

Subs:Elanga (7), Reyna (7), Toffolo (n/a).

Crystal Palace: Henderson (7), Ward (6), Andersen (7), Richards (7), Munoz (8), Wharton (8), Lerma (7), Mitchell (6), Ayew (6), Eze (8), Mateta (7).

Subs: Schlupp (6), Hughes (6), Clyne (n/a).

Player of the match: Morgan Gibbs-White.

What's next?

Nottingham Forest are back at the City Ground on Tuesday night as they host Fulham, kick-off at 7.30pm. Nuno Espirito Santo then visits former club Tottenham a week on Sunday, live on Sky Sports with kick-off at 6pm.

Palace visit Bournemouth on Tuesday with kick-off at 7.45pm, before hosting reigning Premier League champions Manchester City at Selhurst Park next Saturday, kick-off at 12.30pm.