Nottingham Forest is still in the race. A typical performance by Nuno Espirito Santo, highlighted by Murillo’s instinctive equalizer, salvaged a point that could be crucial for their Champions League aspirations.
This marks an impressive turnaround for a team that finished 17th last season, still with three games to go. After Eberechi Eze scored a penalty in front of a jubilant Crystal Palace crowd, buoyed by their upcoming FA Cup final, Forest managed to level just four minutes later, showing the spirit they’ve rekindled since Steve Cooper took charge. Eze nearly secured a victory for Palace but hit the crossbar instead, leaving traveling supporters hopeful for their team’s dreams.
Recent results have only intensified Forest’s struggle to regain form, having lost four of their last five outings, including an FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City. They still have a local derby against Leicester and a challenging visit to West Ham before they face Chelsea on the final day, but this result keeps their top-five hopes alive. “We’re pushing players both physically and mentally for this significant battle,” Nuno shared. “Controlling aspects like personality, confidence, and anxiety is essential.”
It’s never easy for Palace to aim for their best-ever Premier League finish, especially after having a few days off following their Wembley exploits.
Oliver Glasner made his intentions clear by fielding the same lineup as Aston Villa, coincidentally in the stands with Woody Johnson, who has shown interest in investing in the club. Despite a commendable performance that deserved all three points, Adam Wharton needed treatment moments after Eze’s goal, following a match just 12 days prior at Wembley.
“I hope it’s nothing serious,” Glasner remarked. “He twisted his ankle and it hurts a bit, but hopefully he’ll be okay.”
Forest’s recent slump can be attributed to their comparatively shallow squad depth against European rivals. Midfielder Ibrahim Sangare marked his return to the starting lineup with his first Premier League start since August, one of two changes made since their loss to Brentford.
With an electric atmosphere at kickoff, a close moment happened when Chris Richards almost scored from a corner. Nuno’s side, built on a solid foundation, absorbed pressure while waiting for their chance. They nearly capitalized when Tirick Mitchell’s header was saved just in time by Dean Henderson.
Wrapped in warm clothing on a chilly night in south London, Nuno appeared ready to celebrate when Morgan Gibbs White launched a fast break that ended disappointingly for him with a shot saved by Henderson. The second half saw some heated moments, including Ismaila Saar coming close on two occasions, while on the other side, Chris Wood had an even better opportunity, but his effort deflected wide.
When Searle picked out Mitchell with a perfect cross, disaster almost struck for Forest, but the referee initially let play continue. That decision was quickly reversed by VAR, allowing Eze another chance at a penalty after a foul by Jean-Philippe Mateta at Wembley, which he converted expertly in front of England coach Thomas Tuchel.
Henderson stretched fully to save a free kick from Elanga, and from the ensuing corner, Forest managed to equalize thanks to Murillo’s quick thinking, deflecting a shot from the oncoming Williams.
A concern arose for Nuno when the Brazilian was injured in the 81st minute, but he could breathe easier as his goal was confirmed after a brief moment of worry regarding offside following a shot that ricocheted off the woodwork.
