Nottingham Forest player ratings vs Everton as four score 7/10 and one 5/10

For Forest fans, Sunday’s fixture against Everton was as close as you can get to a six-pointer. Victories against Liverpool and draws against Manchester City makes for incredible occasions, but taking points from those beneath us in the table is the bread and butter of Premier League survival.

In the end, Sean Dyche set his side up to frustrate Cooper’s men, but not enough to restrict Brennan Johnson’s magic and continue Forest’s unbeaten run at home since October. While Forest struggled to assert themselves in the second half, Cooper’s men had the better of the second period and deserved their equaliser in 2-2 draw with the aforementioned Johnson bagged two goals. Post-match, Cooper complained at the standard of officiating but is looking ahead to improving away form.

Here, we at NottinghamWorld look at how the players performed during the Premier League clash.

Starters

Navas 6/10 – Whilst his distribution is better than Henderson’s, one can’t help but wonder if Deano would have saved one of Everton’s two goals. The United loanee has characterised his game with big time saves and the clash set the stage for a big GK moment. Although Navas’ performances have raised the question of who deserves the no.1 shirt, he didn’t pull out the big stops.

Lodi 7/10 – From fancy wing-back to ever-reliable Premier League defender, Lodi has consistently made the right decisions and made a habit of getting stuck in when Forest needed it the most. Understandably, with Johnson on the wing, most of Forest’s attack ran down the right hand side. But this is only possible with an efficient and competent left back. Lodi is this player.

Worrall 7/10 – Despite resurfaced concerns about his suitability to the Premier League following a trouncing against West Ham, Worrall began the game calm and composed. Strong distribution as always and pace didn’t cause him any problems.

Felipe 7.0 - What would Forest do without him. With McKenna and Boly out, the Brazilian provided the stability and assurance that any survival hopeful needs. His experience is going to be invaluable in the final stretch of this season.

Aurier 6.5 – It was a relief to see him return earlier than expected to the starting XI, but clearly lacked the match fitness to trouble Everton on the attack.

Frueler 6.5 – As ever with the Swiss conductor, Frueler demonstrated his positional prowess. He might not feature in the highlight reel for Forest but his work on the pitch is indicative of a true unsung hero. Consistent and clever but still providing very little going forward.

Colback 6.5 – Colback has been an outstanding servant of the club. In recent games, his solidity has provided Forest with a much needed calming influence, but today was not his day. Broke down play but failed to bring Gibbs-White into play and initiate the counter-attack.

Shelvey 6.0 – Gave away a penalty. Minimal contact but modern football dictates that this was a clear penalty. Despite this, Cooper’s plan is clearly that every attack runs through the playmaker, Good in close spaces but long balls to Johnson aren’t indicative of Cooper’s style. Too many deep-lying midfielders forced Shelvey to punt it long.

Johnson 8.5/10 – One of our own and he scored two goals. Regardless of how little service he was given, Johnson turned up in game where Forest clearly weren’t firing. Right place right time for the first goal and although he struggled to assert himself without much overlap from Aurier, his second goal demonstrated why, no matter how ‘quiet’ he might be in a game, Johnson is, as the American’s put it, ‘clutch’. Bleeds Garbaldi Red and comes up trumps when we need him the most.

Gibbs-White 7.0 – After a difficult 15 minutes, Forest settled into the game and Everton sat back as if there were 10 minutes to go. As soon as Gibbs-White had some time on the ball Forest looked more fluid and as has been the case this season, he was integral to Forest’s equaliser. Draws in defenders and is a nuisance for any opposition.

Wood 5.0 – Best game he has played in the Garibaldi but still a five. For a typical ‘big man up top’ he wins far less aerial duels than expected. It has taken far longer than Forest fans would hope for him to settle in and fit into Cooper’s system. Cries for Sam Surridge to be given his chance are louder than ever.

Substitutions

Ryan Yates 6.5 – A Little tentative in the first few challenges but very quickly made himself known with a fantastic clearance after tracking back from an Everton counter. Huge relief to see Yatesy back and firing. Many fans will hope to see him in the starting XI against Tottenham, who are notoriously poor after playing European games.

Andre Ayew 5.5 – The question remains, does he do more than Sam Surridge? Still waiting to see whether Ayew justifies a subs appearance ahead of Surridge.

Emmanuel Dennis 5.5 – If there was any time for him to show up, this was the day. We’ve all seen what Dennis is capable of in a Watford shirt, but are yet to see it in the Garibaldi. Many fans will feel Scarpa could have been a more effective sub, but the Brazilian playmaker failed to make the matchday squad.