April 12, (THEWILL) – Everton ended Nottingham Forest’s nine-match unbeaten home run in the English Premier League with a late 1-0 victory at the City Ground. Abdoulaye Doucoure struck in the 94th minute to give the Toffees their first win since mid-February, dealing Forest their second consecutive defeat.
The first half offered little entertainment as both teams struggled to create meaningful opportunities. Everton dominated possession but failed to test Matz Sels in the Forest goal. The match improved after the interval when James Tarkowski’s ball over the top found Iliman Ndiaye, whose effort was smothered by the quick-reacting Sels.
Forest briefly threatened when Morgan Gibbs-White managed a shot on target, but it was comfortably saved. Jack Harrison came close for Everton when his swivelling shot grazed the crossbar from 12 yards. The decisive moment arrived in stoppage time when Everton countered from a Forest corner, allowing Doucoure to finish calmly at the near post.
The result has significant implications for both clubs in the EPL standings. Despite the loss, Forest remain in contention for a top-five finish that would grant them UEFA Champions League qualification, though their recent form will concern supporters. Everton have moved level on points with Manchester United and leapfrogged Tottenham Hotspur following this crucial away victory.
With EPL survival virtually guaranteed, Everton played without fear throughout the match. The Toffees, known for their league-high 14 draws this season prior to this fixture, finally converted a tight contest into three points. For Forest, the defeat increases pressure as they attempt to maintain their position among the league’s elite clubs in the 2024/2025 campaign.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
