Nottingham Forest aren’t finished just yet. A typically wholehearted performance from Nuno Espírito Santo’s side capped by an instinctive equaliser from Murillo rescued a point that could eventually prove priceless for their hopes of reaching the promised land of the Champions League.
It is to their immense credit that with three matches still to play, a team that ended last season in 17th place is still in contention to dine at Europe’s top table. Having fallen behind to Eberechi Eze’s penalty in front of a joyous Crystal Palace crowd still basking in the glory of their upcoming appearance in the FA Cup final, that Forest were back on terms within four minutes spoke volumes about the spirit Nuno has created at the two-time European champions since replacing Steve Cooper. Eze almost won it for Palace at the death but his shot cannoned off the crossbar to give the travelling supporters hope that their dreams could still come true.
Results over the weekend had only multiplied Forest’s desperation to rediscover their form after four defeats in their past five, including the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City. With a local derby against Leicester and a trip to West Ham to come before they face Chelsea on the final day, this result means they still have a fighting chance of finishing in the top five. “We are pushing the players – not only physically, but mentally – for this big fight we are in,” said Nuno. “Character, confidence and controlling anxiety – all these aspects will be very important.”
It was never going to be easy against a Palace team refreshed from being given four days off following their exploits at Wembley and still intent on recording their highest ever Premier League finish.
Oliver Glasner had signalled his intentions by naming the same side that demolished Aston Villa as the New York Jets owner, Woody Johnson – who is reportedly interested in investing in Palace – watched from the stands with the chairman, Steve Parish. But despite another strong performance that could easily have yielded all three points, the sight of Adam Wharton trudging down the tunnel followed by a physiotherapist after receiving treatment just after Eze’s goal was concerning for Palace with their return to Wembley only 12 days away.
“I hope it’s not that serious,” said Glasner. “I spoke to him and he’s a little bit sore because he twisted his ankle but hopefully it will be OK.”
A reason for Forest’s dip in recent weeks has been a lack of squad depth in comparison to their European rivals. The midfielder Ibrahim Sangaré was handed his first Premier League start since August as one of two changes from their damaging defeat to Brentford last week, with Callum Hudson-Odoi – who went to school just down the road – spotted with fans in the away section after being ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Unsurprisingly given the stirring atmosphere at kick-off it was Palace who took the early initiative as Chris Richards almost scrambled home from a corner. But Nuno’s side has been built on strong foundations and they were able to soak up the pressure and wait for an opportunity. Their patience was almost rewarded when Tyrick Mitchell made a mess of his header back to Dean Henderson. Luckily for Mitchell, the England goalkeeper was alert enough to stick out his left foot just in time to prevent a comical own goal.
Wrapped up in a hat and gloves on a chilly evening in south London, Nuno was ready to celebrate when Morgan Gibbs-White launched a swift break downfield that, to his disappointment, ended with Anthony Elanga firing straight at Henderson. The hat had been dispensed with for the start of the second half but it was Palace who came storming out of the blocks as Wembley hero Ismaïla Sarr twice went close. Chris Wood had an even better chance moments later at the other end but his shot clipped Maxence Lacroix’s leg and went agonisingly wide.
Disaster struck for Forest when Sarr picked out Mitchell with a perfect cross and he was taken out by Matz Sels, although the referee, Andy Madley, initially allowed play to continue. His decision was swiftly overturned by VAR, allowing Eze – back on penalty duties after Jean-Philippe Mateta’s miss at Wembley – to slot home emphatically in front of the England head coach, Thomas Tuchel.
Henderson was at full stretch to save Elanga’s free-kick from a tight angle and it was from the resulting corner that Forest drew level thanks to Murillo’s piece of quick thinking to divert a shot in from Neco Williams that was going wide.
The Brazilian being forced off injured in the 81st minute was a worry for Nuno but he could breathe a huge sigh of relief when the substitute Eddie Nketiah saw his goal in injury time ruled out for offside moments after Eze had struck the woodwork.
