Late Show See’s Off Villa
A tantalising affair this evening at this City Ground, as it lay host to a late-spectacle for Nottingham Forest, who thanks to the ingenuity of Nuno Espírito Santo secured a huge late comeback and three points against a sharp Emery side.
The first half
This half lacked “punch”, should we say.
Both sides fought in the midfield, that was the trenches, with Boubacar Kamara the brightest for the Villains & Anderson (I’d say) strongest for Forest. Villa’s midfield more assured & structured, Forest’s looking to take risks, especially with that pairing of Gibbs-White & Anderson, with a ‘cushion’ of Yates and Dominguez to support.
While both sides didn’t necessarily trade blows in the form of shots, both had spells – Villa looked to make deep crosses with touchline-hugging Luca Digne, with Kamara distributing superbly to the wide areas. Forest looked to counter off of Villa mistakes, with quick movements, and when on the ball in dangerous areas keeping it well – the issue for both the lack of end product.
While work around the box was positive for Forest in the first half, it lacked the clinical edge, and on occasion Forest’s lack of composure lead to Villa counters from areas you’d expect rather routine passes.
Things to work on, but it wasn’t a bad half. 0-0 at Half Time.
The second half
This half needed something from both teams. More composure from Forest, and more risks, to break down a superb defensive block from Villa.
Villa would be the side to open the scoring though, and started the half by far the better side. Eventually, a ball fell to Jhon Duran who fired it past Matz Sels, in the absence of a marker – Murillo – who really should’ve got to it before hand. You can’t make mistakes like that in this division, teams punish you. A rare defensive error this season, as the former super-sub Duran opens the scoring.
Forest kept fighting, Nuno has garnered a mentality that “never lets die” – this was proved soon.
A goal from Chris Wood was chalked off, Elanga’s cross deemed void due to the Swedish star being offside. Rather dubious angles, I must say.
Forest didn’t take no for an answer, Marinakis smashed his television, but soon passion over potential poor decision turned into passion for victory – Forest got their own back, again.
An inside run lead to a cross, and the “big Serb”, Nikola Milenkovic, heads it home. Forest equalise late on. 1-1. What scenes we witnessed.
A draw, many would take based on the overall performance, but once again Forest didn’t take a draw for an answer. They wanted more.
The substitute, Anthony Elanga, a point to prove, a poor start to the season, tonight could be the page turner. A cross in finds the Swede, who – in front of the Trent end – smashes it past Elanga, Martinez’ grip tested, and Forest win the match.
A late win for Forest, sums up their season – even when backed into a corner, they fight their way out, victorious. A wonderful display.
Not only are Forest safe, but they are in the mix for Europe. I’m saying it now. This is a huge win for Forest. My pessimism has submerged. Evolution shown today – Forest mean business.
Forest 2, Aston Villa 1.
*Article provided by Jamie Martin (Head Nottingham Forest Correspondent).
*Main image @NFFC Anthony Elanga was Forest’s match winning hero.
Share this content:
Post Comment