Nottingham Forest lost 1-0 to Everton at the City Ground on Saturday when Abdoulaye Doucoure scored a 94th-minute goal, improving his chances of a new deal.
After Forest’s clumsy play, Everton forward Dwight McNeil won control in midfield and passed to Doucoure, who shot past Matz Sels. Third-placed Forest have 57 points from 32 games, four ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea, who have a game in hand. Top five qualify for Champions League. Everton rise to 14th with 38 points from 32 matches.
Forest have been great at home this season but failed to trouble Everton’s defense. The visitors left it late but rightfully won.
“It feels amazing, the team worked so hard and we deserved the win,” said Doucoure, who is out of contract at season’s end.
“We made so many changes, and to score in the last minute convinced me I would score today. From minute one, we dominated.
I adore this club. Ever since signing, I want to stay. What happens in the following two weeks as my contract expires?”
Everton fans sang “Champions League, you’re having a laugh” and the anxious home side always seemed satisfied with a point but were punished for not taking the game to the visitors.
The first clear shot came from Everton midfielder James Garner, whose low angle shot Sels saved after 25 minutes. As Forest were clumsy in possession and numerous potential efforts broke down, Iliman Ndiaye headed straight at goalie as the visitors searched for the opener.
Late in the first half, Callum Hudson-Odoi forced Jordan Pickford to save, but he was comfortable. Hudson-Odoi shot straight at Pickford, then Ndiaye missed a chance after getting past the Forest defense after a long James Tarkowski pass.
After a quick Everton counterattack, Jack Harrison fired over and Morgan Gibbs-White’s superb flick was saved by Pickford. Before Everton scored, the game looked to be a draw.
