Nottingham Forest move out of relegation zone despite frustrating draw with Fulham

Nottingham Forest's Ibrahim Sangare in action with Fulham's Antonee Robinson
Nottingham Forest's Ibrahim Sangare in action with Fulham's Antonee RobinsonReuters/Andrew Couldridge

Nottingham Forest’s winless Premier League run extended to seven games (D4, L3) after they were held to a 0-0 draw by Fulham at the City Ground, leaving them only outside of the relegation zone on goal difference.

Fulham had not conceded in the opening 15 minutes of a league game this season before kick-off, and while they kept that record intact, it was under threat when Elliot Anderson dangerously cut inside but fired his shot wide.

The Cottagers had the best chance of the first half though, with two Nigerian teammates combining as Alex Iwobi’s free-kick found Calvin Bassey, but Matz Sels kept out his close-range header.

Forest had further chances to score before half-time through Morgan Gibbs-White and Nicolas Dominguez, but Bernd Leno got behind both efforts from the edge of the box, ensuring that the City Ground would see a level half-time scoreline for the fifth league match in succession.

With what was at stake, the Tricky Trees were determined to find the breakthrough in the second half, and Ola Aina was so close with a spectacular effort that smashed the crossbar.

The City Ground was crying for a hero, and it seemed as though fate had delivered one for a few delirious moments, as Dan Ndoye had the ball in the net minutes later, after escaping the attentions of his marker and deftly firing into the corner.

However, a quick review saw the goal chalked off, with barely an inch in the equation. 

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Yet, although Forest perhaps had some cause to curse their luck, they could have easily gone behind too when Rodrigo Muniz’s goalbound strike was headed off the line by Aina.

Sasa Lukic then missed the post by a narrow margin with an attempt from the edge of the area, following a corner that Forest failed to clear. However, neither side had their shooting boots on in the final stages as both had to settle for a point each.

Vitor Pereira is still searching for his first top-flight win as Forest boss as a result (D2, L2), while Marco Silva’s side have now only won once in six away trips (D2, L3), as they miss the chance to break into the top half. 

Flashscore Man of the Match: Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest)

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