Luton Town 1-1 Nottingham Forest (Premier League) 16.03.24
Forest succumb to previous errors, as Luton scrape a late goal back.
For what was a strong performance from Forest, was not the desired result – tales of previous disappointment came back to haunt them.
The first half started rather scrappy; both sides edging for a goal – long balls at either end, close chances, one from Forest being cleared off of the goal line, but overall poor quality of football to start the game. I’d say championship standard of scrappiness, but the league has been rather composed this season and a joy to watch, perhaps a tad harsh.
Eventually, composure would be found, and Forest had it most – eventually, a crossed effort finds Chris Wood, who taps it – in the air – past Kamisnki, and opens the scoring for the Reds. If you could use one word to describe Chris Wood, it ought to be “efficient” because, should he receive the service, he just gets the job done. Top scorer, nine goals, 23/24. Attacking football, feeding Wood, the story of Forest’s success.
Luton would get one back though from a corner, but it would be ruled as a handball offence – no goal. Odd from a commentator perspective, as despite how close we were, we couldn’t see what had happened, but Darren England didn’t hesitate – no goal. End of story.
Forest, somewhat, saved from an almost disappointing goal against them before half time. 1-0, Forest end the half winning.
Second half…Forest looked stronger & more assured, carrying on from the end of the first half. Set-pieces came about, but they were squandered – never into a dangerous position, really frustrating though. But, that being said, playing well. Forest came close, but another fantastic goal-line clearance from Teden Mengi saved Luton again – absolute heroics, phenomenal. Murillo fancied a shot of his own as his free kick, from midway into his own half, is parried over the bar by Kaminski, who once thought the shot had no threat – but it really did. Dangerous effort, but Forest still lead.
Eventually, Nuno made substitutes – for me, the decisions that killed the game for Forest. Wood, Origi & Gibbs-White came off, Felipe, Hudson-Odoi & Dominguez. The switch to a back five showed how defensive Forest wished to be – inviting pressure from Luton, who, didn’t really create much beforehand – Forest undid themselves with that change in tactics.
In, unfortunately, typical fashion, Forest conceded in the 88th minute, with Luke Berry scoring his first Premier League goal, gifted from a set-piece. Heads in hands, disappointment, once again. A good performance for the most part, overshadowed by another late goal.
Improvement needed soon – this side is sleepwalking into relegation, but it’s not too late to turn it round. A monumental shift in mentality needed.
Luton 1, Forest 1. 99 minutes played.
*Article provided by Jamie Martin (Head Nottingham Forest Correspondent).
*Main image @NFFC Callum Hudson-Odoi in action for Forest.
