Armando Broja awful, Jordan Pickford vital – Everton ratings v Nottingham Forest
David Moyes would have been jumping for joy as Everton stole all three points against Nottingham Forest at The City Ground.
The Toffees created plenty of chances to secure their first victory in seven matches, but it looked set to be yet another draw and going without a win for seven consecutive matches.
Beto and Carlos Alcaraz’s introductions offered something new and exciting to the final third, but it was Dwight McNeil who saved the day, putting the ball on a plate for Abdoulaye Doucoure to score Everton’s winner in added time.
Jordan Pickford saves the day at The City Ground
Jordan Pickford – 9 – Man of the Match
Absolutely brilliant. Made save after save to keep the Toffees in the game. No wonder why Everton are one of the best teams defensively in the division.
Jake O’Brien – 7
Dealt with Forest’s tricky winger Hudson-Odoi very well on the right flank, often frustrating his opposite number, and even unleashed a shot of his own, albeit it was blocked almost instantly.
James Tarkowski – 7
Superb at the back from Tarkowski, who might have been lucky to be available for Everton after avoiding a sending-off against Liverpool a couple of weeks ago.
Jarrad Branthwaite – 5
Struggled at times to deal with some of the pacey opponents, but it is clear why Everton want to tie Branthwaite down to a new deal
Vitaliy Mykolenko – 6
Certainly not the Ukrainian’s finest performances, with limited chances created in the final third, but he made sure to win his tackles and not allow anyone to pass him down the wing.
Idrissa Gueye – 7
Picked up a crucial yellow card to stop Forest’s counterattack, which was just one of several important moments as the Toffees claimed all three points at The City Ground.
Abdoulaye Doucoure just awful despite Everton winner
James Garner – 7
Garner and Gueye partner each other brilliantly in midfield, creating a barrier in front of the defence, and he was unlucky not to find the back of the net to top off his display.
Jack Harrison (Off for Dwight McNeil 90′) – 6
Had a few chances to score his first goal of the season, but lacking a final finish at The City Ground, he could not make his creativity count for anything in the attacking third.
Abdoulaye Doucoure – 5
Another disaster from Doucoure. Picked up an early yellow card, rarely threatened in the final third, continued to make frustrating fouls, until he hit the winner… Should have been higher, but he was awful until the goal.
Iliman Ndiaye (Off for Carlos Alcaraz 67′) – 7
Was extremely sharp in the final third, giving Mats Selz plenty to think about in Forest’s net, but he could not quite work his magic for the Toffees and find a goal.
Armando Broja (Off for Beto 64′) – 3
Non-factor up top. Suffered from a lack of service, but having only just returned from a long-term injury, it was unlikely to be a fairytale return to the pitch for the Chelsea loanee.
Dwight McNeil makes instant impact for the Toffees
Substitutes
Beto (On for Broja 64′) – 6
Brought so much more energy to the pitch than Broja, nearly being awarded a penalty kick, but VAR did not agree.
Carlos Alcaraz (On for Ndiaye 67′) – 5
Much like Beto, the Argentine brought some much-needed energy to the pitch, but it was too little, too late. It could have been different had he been more accurate.
Dwight McNeil (On for Harrison 90′) – 8
Instant impact. Pickpocketed Murillo on the halfway line before sliding the ball across to Doucoure, who just had to blast the ball past Sels.