Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest player rankings by Sarah Clapson

Published

8 months ago

January 20, 2024

Nottingham Forest’s first Premier League game of 2024 ended in defeat as they fell 3-2 to Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.

The visitors got off to the perfect start as they took the lead with just three minutes on the clock. It was some strike from Danilo, too. The Brazilian showed great technique to control the ball on the edge of the D before unleashing a stunning volley into the top corner.

But that all changed on the 20-minute mark. Orel Mangala gave away a free-kick on the edge of the area, and Ivan Toney made the most of it. The Brentford man repositioned the ball a foot to the right of where it should have been, then curled his shot around the visitors’ wall to make it 1-1.

The equaliser swung the momentum the hosts’ way. They could have gone in at the break ahead as Keane Lewis-Potter struck the bar on the half hour.

A goal did come on the hour, though, as Ben Mee headed in a corner to make it 2-1 to Brentford. Chris Wood levelled with a header of his own, only for Neal Maupay to put the Bees back in front three minutes later.

Despite 10 minutes of added time at the end of the game, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were unable to get back in the game. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Matt Turner: Yes, Toney moved the ball for the equaliser but the wall was still poorly set up. Did okay apart from that, but tightening up at the back remains an area in need of work. Rating: 5.5/10

Gonzalo Montiel: Linked up well with countryman Dominguez when Forest had positive spells. The visitors’ defensive fragility cost them, though. Rating: 5.5/10

Andrew Omobamidele: A big call by Nuno to stick with the youngster after his debut in the FA Cup in midweek. An inexperienced centre-back pairing told at times. Rating: 5.5/10

Murillo: Being beaten in the air is something of an Achilles’ heel for the centre-back. Mee got the better of him on this occasion for Brentford’s second. Rating: 5.5/10

Nuno Tavares: Got forward well enough, but could have done with putting more crosses in for Wood to attack. Forced a save with a decent effort before the break. Rating: 5.5/10

Ryan Yates: Seemed to be feeling the effects of a knock picked up in a first half challenge. Would hope to have done better with a couple of early shots which were dragged wide. Rating: 6/10

Orel Mangala: Was always asking for trouble, giving away a free-kick on the edge of the area with a clumsy challenge. Did try his luck a couple of times in front of goal. Rating: 6/10

Nicolas Dominguez: Kept going until the end. Played his part when the Reds were on top and was involved in some nice passages of play. Frustrating that the visitors ended the game without anything to show for it. Rating: 6/10

Danilo: Absolutely sublime strike from the Brazilian to make it two goals in two games. Hopefully it marks a return to form as played a part in Wood’s goal, too. Rating: 7/10

Callum Hudson-Odoi: Had been having a quiet game until he swung a peach of a cross in for Wood. Forest needed more of that, particularly with Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga absent. Rating: 6/10

Chris Wood: Lovely glancing header which should have earned the visitors a draw. Got through plenty of work, even if he didn’t have many chances in front of goal. Rating: 6.5/10

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