Forest rue missed chances as £18m man shows why he should be starting every week

Cooper was met with a rapturous reception when he walked out of the tunnel and the Forest fans showed their backing of the manager throughout the game.

While fans leaving the City Ground will be frustrated with conceding a late equaliser, there was much more on show to give fans hope that Forest can put together a run of results that will see them avoid relegation.

During the first half Forest created the better chances but had to dig in for the first ten minutes as Wolves controlled the possession in the opening exchanges.

Ultimately, Forest lacked that clinical edge to find a second goal and the players are left frustrated at dropping two points in a game they should have won.

“The lads are really disappointed that we’ve not won.  It’s a really down dressing room.  It’s a game we should have won comfortably” said Cooper after the game.

Despite this disappointment there were numerous positive performances.

Against his former side, Morgan Gibbs-White was instrumental in Forest’s attacking approach, which saw the Reds have seven shots on target compared to Wolves’ one.  The 23 year old was unlucky not be on the winning side but showed his passion for Forest at full-time by kissing his badge as he received an ovation for his tenacious performance.

Considering the lack of creativity on display for Forest in recent games, there were signs of improvement for Cooper’s side, who started Danilo in midfield alongside Mangala and Frueler.

The introduction of the young Brazilian into the starting XI gave Forest a huge boost on the counter attack.  Danilo’s pace and energy gave them more attacking options on the break and lead to some dangerous moments.

He linked up brilliantly with Gibbs-White and Dennis before putting Johnson through for Forest’s first half goal and looked like a capable box-to-box midfielder.

The former Palmeiras man could have extended Forest’s lead in the second half but dragged his shot wide in one of Forest’s many guilt-edged chances.

Despite this, he seemed to add that bit of dynamism that Forest have missed in their last six league games.

“I don’t think there was one bad performance today.  Danilo was very much apart of that.  He’s an exciting player and prospect for us and one that I’m trying to manage carefully” said Cooper in his post-match press conference.

Harry Toffolo replaced Renan Lodi, who only arrived back in the country yesterday evening following the birth of his first child.  In Lodi’s absence, Toffolo impressed and dealt with the pace of Adama Traore quite comfortably.

Cooper praised the left-back after the game:

“I was really pleased with Harry and his performance.  He only came off because he’s actually been injured as well and only trained a couple of days before today.”

Emmanuel Dennis continued his improvement in a Forest shirt and could have also given Forest a second goal, but was unable to capitalise on another Forest counter started by Gibbs-White, seeing his shot saved by Jose Sarr.

While the overriding feeling at the club is one of frustration, Forest created enough chances today to give them confidence going into another six pointer at Elland Road on Tuesday.

With Taiwo Awoniyi and Cheikhou Kouyate getting their first minutes in a long time, Cooper has more options for his selection as the race for Premier League survival intensifies.

Attendance: 29,368