Everton (A) 21/04/24

 

Everton 2-0 Nottingham Forest

Gueye 27'

McNeil 76'

 

The ‘El Deducto’ as people had named it. For the fans of both teams, a huge relegation 6 pointer. There was a nervy feel leading up to game; you could feel it all around the ground. It came down to this: 90 minutes that would help shape the final league table.

Both sides would have been relieved after seeing fellow relegation rivals, Luton Town, lose 5-1 to Brentford. The visitors would have felt confident travelling Merseyside, knowing the Toffees had only won 1 in their last 15 and were beaten 6-0 in their fixture last game week at Chelsea. However, the Reds had only 1 win in 8 but had managed to turn most of their fixtures into draws.

The game got off to an even start with Forest having most of the possession, passing it around their defence. No real chances broke for either team. The hosts did manage to win a few corners but couldn’t take advantage of the Reds’ set-piece conceding corners record (19). Forest did have a penalty appeal turned away. Danilo broke forward into the box before being tackled on the line by Idrissa Gana Gueye; the ball bounced to Gio Reyna who took a touch before being kicked from behind on his heel by Ashley Young. VAR had a brief check before dismissing the appeal.

Just moments later, it was Everton who struck first through Gueye. Mykolenko whipped a ball into the area from the left which was headed clear by Ola Aina. Luckily for the Senegalese midfielder, the ball landed back to his feet. He took a delightful touch before shooting into the bottom left corner, with no Forest defenders blocking the shot. Goodison Park had lift off. The Reds’ have a poor away record having the worst stats in all areas and this showed as they started to look shaky and Everton dominated. Despite this dominance, Chris Wood forced a brilliant close range save from Jordan Pickford and everyone watching couldn’t believe the game wasn’t level.

As the half drew to a close, the Reds’ 2^nd penalty appeal of the game was waved away. Morgan Gibbs-White crossed the ball to the back post before Hudon-Odoi looked to cross it into the 6 yard box. He was stopped by Young whose flailing arm was deemed to be in a natural position.

Halftime, 1-0.

There were no halftime substitutions for Forest but Anthony Elanga was shortly introduced after the break. The Toffees came out the stronger side, missing a chance to go 2 goals to the good through Dominic Calvert-Lewin.  Following a corner, a massive huddle of both teams formed, blocking his chance at a good shot at goal, but still, he wasn’t very far away! It was now Forest’s 3^rd chance of a penalty turned down. A beautiful pass from midfield by Danilo found Callum Hudson-Odoi through on goal. Just behind him was Young, again, who in the eyes of the referee got the ball but looking back at replays, you can see he actually treads on the back of the Forest number 14's foot.

The Reds looked to pile the pressure on as they had a chance through Gibbs-White. Murillo played the forward pass but Tarkowski seemed to have headed clear. The ball landed to the feet of the Forest number 10 who attempted to curl it into the far corner, however Wood seemed to block his sights, and the shot was wide. Everton went on to double their advantage. Dwight McNeil received the ball in the middle of the park before playing a one-two with Doucoure. The midfielder wasn’t met by a Forest player and was allowed to make room for the shot from 25 yards. Danilo tried a late block but the ball bounced into the bottom right corner.

Forest tried to kick up a gear and find a lifeline. They were helped when they saw an extra 9 minutes but this was disrupted as Beto was knocked unconscious. Both the striker and Gibbs-White went up to challenge for the ball but ended up clashing heads. It was clear the Portuguese had come off worse after not moving following the collision. This was when the atmosphere started to get hostile. Chants of ‘scabs’ from the home end were heard which sparked a brawl. Then, it started to ring around the whole ground. Forest had their replies too which fans seemed to think were targeted at Beto but were just a reaction. Following a lengthy stoppage, Beto was stretchered off with oxygen to a standing ovation.

In my opinion, I think we were robbed. I completely agree with our statement but the way in which we released it was a bit childish. I’ve seen pundits and fans of other Premier League teams call it embarrassing but they will be the first people to complain when the officials make a mistake. I’m glad we’ve stood up to it because this has happened far too many times this season. In my opinion, I think 2 out of the 3 were penalties: the handball and the challenge on Callum. I also think the need for the fan chanting was completely unacceptable. Both chants are wrong in this era and shouldn’t be sang. I have seen Everton fans claim us to boo Beto or label him a cheat but this chant was aimed at their PSR breaches and the booing came from them at Gibbs-White. It’s strange considering they were clapping our chant about Anthony Taylor and the Premier League in the first half!

In terms of the game, our performance was so poor, especially second half. We looked solid until we conceded but after that we just seemed to lack ideas and really struggle. Dominguez was a stand out for me after breaking into the side and pulling off a good performance in a disappointing side. Personally, I would've played Yatesy as he is key away from home and he likes to block shots. Moussa did well in his return to the starting 11 too. Let’s hope we can sort ourselves out and pray for a miracle of beating City!

 

Everton: Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Harrison, Gueye, Gomes (Garner 67'), McNeil; Doucoure; Calvert-Lewin (Beto 67' (Chermiti 90+10'))

 

Forest: Sels; William, Niakhate ,Murillo, Aina; Dominguez (Ribiero 80'), Danilo (Yates 80'); Reyna (Elanga 53'), Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi (Origi 80'); Wood