An enticing fixture ends with a Nottingham Forest result – the first for over 20 years in Forest’s favour.
The game started as it seemed to go on; Forest placing on record their intentions – a point wouldn’t suffice, a loss wasn’t even considered, Nuno’s men had their eyes on the price from the ‘get-go’. Early developments from the likes of Montiel, Aina, and Gibbs-White saw Forest expose every corner of United’s back line – shots came off, but none were successful.
United’s attacks with the likes of Garnacho, in particular, close, but not close enough. A Forest dominant, but not necessarily spectacular half, ends even – 0-0 at Half Time.
Forest would be the side to open the scoring though, Montiel’s composed pass across the – completely free – penalty area is met by Nicolas Dominguez, who fires it past Onana. The Ghanaian Goalkeeper left bamboozled, he had no chance.
Forest’s dominance diminished slightly though as United grew into the game – shots from Garnacho, and Eriksen, coming close and hitting the post on an occasion, caused some worry for the Reds. Pressure would get to the Nottingham Forest keeper, Matt Turner, though, as he misplaces a pass to a United man, which is squared to Marcus Rashford who equalises, and redeems himself for a fairly poor performance.
Boos against Matt Turner rang out, Nerves set in – but Turner would be crucial. Numerous saves made, crucial ones, in a way, the US keeper redeemed his almost game-defining mistake. The Magic of a Saturday night game wasn’t over though, as in the same position, Gibbs-White finds a ball from Elanga – the former United winger – and rockets a ball past Onana. Once again, no chance for the United keeper, Forest capitalise on Manchester United’s mistakes. 82 minutes gone, Forest lead!
Even ten minutes of added time couldn’t stop this Nottingham Forest side. A revelation under Nuno Espírito Santo, with momentum setting in; a late Christmas present, a wonderful precedent to set heading into the New Year.
What a result. Nottingham Forest 2, Manchester United 1.
*Article provided by Jamie Martin (Head Nottingham Forest Correspondent).
*Main image @NFFC Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga celebrate.
