Sarah Clapson's Nottingham Forest ratings - Hudson-Odoi shines in big win over Sheffield United
Nottingham Forest came from behind to claim a huge win at Bramall Lane as they beat Sheffield United 3-1 courtesy of a Callum Hudson-Odoi brace and a Ryan Yates goal.
Looking to put some distance between themselves and the bottom three, the Reds could have got off to the perfect start. But Chris Wood missed a big chance with barely a minute on the clock and it proved costly as the Blades went on to take the lead.
Gonzalo Montiel was penalised for sliding in on Ben Brereton Diaz and the ex-Forest attacker thumped the ball in from the penalty spot against his former club in the 17th minute.
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Hudson-Odoi equalised for the visitors before the half hour mark with a brilliant strike from a Danilo pass, but they were somewhat fortunate to go in at the break on level terms.
Wood hit the bar with a header, but United had several chances at the other end of the pitch. Murillo made a couple of big blocks and Matz Sels had to make two important saves to keep the hosts at bay.
It was proving to be a nervy affair in South Yorkshire. Ryan Yates turned the game on its head in the 51st minute, though, when he put Forest in front after Willy Boly headed the ball in his direction following a free-kick.
And Hudson-Odoi went on to make sure of the points with his second of the afternoon in the 65th minute. The hosts ended the match with 10 men after a red card for Anel Ahmedhodzic in the dying minutes, while Forest moved three points clear of the drop zone. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at Bramall Lane.
Matz Sels: Came to his team’s rescue a number of times with some important saves. Forest looked nervy at times, particularly in the first half, but the Belgian remained calm. Rating: 8/10
Gonzalo Montiel: A daft challenge to go sliding in on Brereton Diaz, and it proved costly. Fortunately for the Argentine, his teammates got the Reds out of a hole. Rating: 5/10
Willy Boly: Having the defender available makes such a difference for Forest. He is a key player. Not always at his sharpest, but set up Yates’ goal with a header. Rating: 7.5/10
Murillo: The Brazilian was the visitors’ standout player in the first half as he made a couple of crucial blocks to keep out the Blades. Was on hand when the Reds needed him to be. Rating: 8.5/10
Ola Aina: The full-back perhaps didn’t get forward as much as he would have liked in the first half. Better after the break, though - and the same could be said for the team as a whole. Rating: 7/10
Ryan Yates: What a time to bag his first Premier League goal. After he had marked his 200th appearance for the club last weekend, too. Lovely finish in front of the away fans. Rating: 7.5/10
Danilo: Midfield as a whole struggled to get a grip on the game in a poor first half. Did tee up Hudson-Odoi for his first goal, though. Had a go himself after the break. Rating: 7.5/10
Anthony Elanga: Not his day. A below-par performance from the wide man was summed up when he got a pass to Gibbs-White all wrong after racing forward in the second half. Rating: 4.5/10
Morgan Gibbs-White: A nice assist to set up Hudson-Odoi’s second. Could have got on the scoresheet himself, too - and he would no doubt have enjoyed that after being booed by the home fans. Rating: 7.5/10
Callum Hudson-Odoi: Two trademark goals from the winger - and he took them brilliantly. The Blades didn’t learn their lesson when it came to letting him cut inside. How big could those strikes prove to be? Rating: 8.5/10
Chris Wood: The front man’s woes in front of goal continued with some more big chances spurned, to go with his hat-trick of missed opportunities last weekend. Surely his luck will turn soon. Rating: 5.5/10
Subs
Moussa Niakhate (for Elanga, 67mins): Could consider himself a bit unfortunate to have been on the bench in the first place. Debatable whether reverting to a four-man defence was the right move by Nuno. Rating: 7/10
Harry Toffolo (for Montiel, 82mins): Might Nuno consider starting the left-back next weekend, if Neco Williams is absent again? Must be an option. Rating: 6/10
Taiwo Awoniyi (for Wood, 90mins): A big positive for the Reds to have him back from injury. Deserves to have better luck on that front. Rating: 6/10
Nicolas Dominguez (for Hudson-Odoi, 90mins): Not long for the midfielder to make an impact. By then the game was already won, at least. Rating: 6/10
Subs not used: Turner, Sangare, Kouyate, Reyna, Origi.