Current Nottingham Forest news from NottinghamshireLive following the Reds’ disappointing 1-1 draw with Luton Town on Saturday. The Reds lament lost opportunities.
At Kenilworth Road on Saturday, Luton Town rallied for a 1-1 draw after Nottingham Forest gave up two points late in the game.
In the first half, Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad took the lead 1-0 thanks to a goal from Chris Wood, as they attempted to move six points clear of the relegation zone. However, Forest was struck a cruel blow when the Hatters equalized from a corner in the 89th minute, after they had missed multiple excellent chances to increase their lead.
After being accused of violating the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR), the Reds now sit three points above the bottom three while they await the possibility of a points deduction. What some of the national media said about Saturday’s game is seen below.
The Guardian’s Ben Bloom wrote: “Now for the attorneys. Given that neither group of players was able to deliver a blow that could have been pivotal in deciding which of these clubs would play Championship football the following season, it is now up to some of the best legal minds in the nation to decide who will fill the relegation spots during the international break.
“It is anticipated that Nottingham Forest’s financial infractions hearing will result in a decision soon, which may potentially cause the Midlands club to lose its current tenuous safety position.
Encouraged by Luke Berry’s late equalizer, which stood in stark contrast to their shocking collapse just three days earlier, when they became the first Premier League team in more than 20 years to lose after leading 3-0 at halftime, the Kenilworth Road home fans yelled, “Points deduction, it’s coming for you,” at the final whistle.
“Seemed to belong to them.”
The Telegraph’s Jim White wrote: “As the Nottingham Forest players made their way off the Kenilworth Road ground, the home crowd taunted them with the chant: “Points deduction, it’s coming for you.” And, indeed, the significance of this tie will not be completely understood until the Premier League decides if Forest will be punished for breaking financial regulations.
“If they do get points deducted, they will look back on this game with increasing regret. Because there were three that appeared to be theirs to bank on, let go.
“But, one of the lessons of this season is to never write off Luton Town. Despite appearing to be destined for another defeat, with Forest in complete control and comfortably holding on to the lead given to them in the first half by Chris Wood, Rob Edwards’ resilient lot refused to be intimidated.
‘A cagey and nervous game.’
According to Robert O’Connor of the Independent, “Luton salvaged a critical point in their bid for Premier League survival, as substitute Luke Berry struck in the 89th minute to rescue a 1-1 draw against fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest at Kenilworth Road.”
Rob Edwards’ side was six points behind Forest, facing defeat toward the end of a cagey, nerve-racking encounter that appeared to have been resolved by Chris Wood’s first-half goal for the visitors, expertly set up by Morgan Gibbs-White.
“After capitulating 3-0 against Bournemouth on Wednesday, Luton were in desperate need of a psychological boost, which arrived in the dying moments. Reece Burke headed the ball goalwards from a corner, and Berry was the quickest to lash it in from inside the six-yard box, keeping Forest on edge in the table.
‘Left to rue’
Sarah Clapson of the Nottingham Post wrote: “Nottingham Forest were left to rue missed chances as they conceded a last-minute equaliser to draw 1-1 with relegation rivals Luton Town.”
“The Reds had to withstand an early period of pressure, with Ross Barkley having a hat-trick of chances in the first 12 minutes. It was a caution sign for the guests, but they took it seriously and created a few opportunities of their own. Both of those chances went to Divock Origi, with Reece Burke clearing one off the line.
“However, the breakthrough occurred soon after. Morgan Gibbs-White and Neco Williams combined beautifully, with the former playing the ball to the back post, where Chris Wood finished brilliantly to score it 1-0 after 34 minutes.”
