Yahoo News Nottingham Forest player ratings - Hudson-Odoi and Boly score as Reds effectively safe
Nottingham Forest threw away the opportunity to mathematically guarantee Premier League safety as they fell 3-2 to Chelsea in their final home game of the season.
Forest went into the game effectively safe before a ball had even been kicked. Defeats for Burnley and Luton Town in the 3pm kick-offs put them on the brink of mathematical survival.
A point would do it. And the Reds made a positive start as Chris Wood forced a save and Ryan Yates headed off target inside the first few minutes.
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Somewhat against the run of play, Mykhailo Mudryk opened the scoring for the visitors with eight minutes gone. The Chelsea man got past Gonzalo Montiel and Boly before beating Matz Sels with a fine strike.
Forest responded, though, and they were level with 16 minutes gone. Morgan Gibbs-White floated a free-kick to the far post and Boly headed home. After a lengthy VAR check for a potential offside, the goal stood.
Chances came at both ends before the break. Wood and Yates were not too far away for the hosts, while Sels made an excellent save to thwart Nicolas Jackson.
In an entertaining affair, both sides hit the woodwork early in the second half. Forest pushed for another goal, and it finally came through a trademark Hudson-Odoi finish in the 74th minute.
However, Chelsea turned the game around with quickfire goals from Raheem Sterling and Jackson. Forest’s superior goal difference to the Hatters means they are all-but safe heading into the final weekend, but they missed the chance to make mathematically certain with a game to spare. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the City Ground.
Matz Sels: Won’t be happy with the way Chelsea turned the game around after Forest had taken the lead. Had made a good save in the first half, but those goals rather put a dampener on things. Rating: 7/10
Gonzalo Montiel: If the club are in two minds over whether to sign the Argentine permanently in the summer, he hasn’t exactly done a lot to sway them in the last couple of games. Ought to have done better for the opener. Rating: 5/10
Willy Boly: If the defender hadn’t missed a chunk of the season through injury, it’s tempting to think Forest would have been safe weeks ago. Thoroughly deserved his goal. Rating: 8.5/10
Murillo: One day, the Brazilian is going to make the Reds a lot of money - just hopefully not this summer. He is a delight to watch and pulled out the full range of passes on the banks of the Trent. Rating: 8.5/10
Moussa Niakhate: Put in one heck of a shift in an end-to-end game. Reverting to a back three generally worked well, just as was the case against Manchester City. Rating: 8/10
Ola Aina: Strengthened the case to get him tied down to a new deal ASAP with another terrific performance. Seemed to relish playing against his former club. Rating: 8.5/10
Ryan Yates: Got a terrific standing ovation when he went off, after giving absolutely everything for the cause. Did his best to try to double his Premier League goal tally. Rating: 8.5/10
Danilo: Worked his socks off in the centre of the pitch. Was a constant source of energy. Got a lot of love from the crowd, particularly when he took corners. Rating: 7.5/10
Morgan Gibbs-White: A double assist for the man who has done as much as he can to get the Reds over the line. Always gives total commitment. Rating: 7.5/10
Chris Wood: It will be a real shame if the front man ends the campaign with a run of missed chances. Spurned a few more opportunities on this occasion after losing his touch in front of goal in recent games. Rating: 6/10
Callum Hudson-Odoi: If he did have a point to prove against his old team, he well and truly made it. Trademark finish maintained a fine end to the season for the winger. He enjoyed celebrating, too. Rating: 8/10
Subs
Anthony Elanga (for Yates, 72mins): Tough to really make an impact as the Reds threw away the opportunity to guarantee safety. Can still be pleased with his contribution this season. Rating: 6/10
Harry Toffolo (for Montiel, 72mins): Didn’t immediately adapt to the pace of the game when he came on and was caught out somewhat. Chelsea capitalised. Rating: 5.5/10
Nicolas Dominguez (for Hudson-Odoi, 86mins): Can maybe consider himself a bit unlucky not to have had more minutes of late. Is finding it tough to force his way back into the XI. Rating: 6/10
Taiwo Awoniyi (for Niakhate, 86mins): More minutes for the striker as he builds up his fitness again. Having him back is a big plus for the Reds. Rating: 6/10
Subs not used: Turner, Kouyate, Sangare, Origi, Omobamidele.
