Latest Nottingham Forest news: Nuno Espirito Santo’s Reds tie 1-1 with Sunderland in pre-season friendly.
Omar Richards scored in his Nottingham Forest debut, resulting in a 1-1 tie with Sunderland at the Pinatar Arena.
In their second pre-season friendly, the Reds had much of possession in the first half and executed several wonderful passing movements; however, they were unable to capitalise on their opportunities. Nicolas Dominguez and Chris Wood both had opportunities in the first ten minutes. The former blasted over after latching onto an Ola Aina ball in the box, while Wood’s effort was diverted behind.
Forest kept pushing, and it took a brave block from Sunderland to stop Morgan Gibbs-White shortly after the half-hour mark. But with no breakthrough, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side fell down after 38 minutes.
Murillo’s sloppy play resulted in a penalty for a challenge on Chris Rigg. Jack Clarke then beat Carlos Miguel on the spot.
Forest made complete changes for the second half, and it only took two minutes for the new-look XI to level the score. Anthony Elanga did an excellent job setting up Richards, who drove home on his debut appearance in the Garibaldi.
Ryan Yates came agonisingly close to a winner right at the end, forcing a double save from a corner, but the game ended level in Spain. Here’s Reds writer Sarah Clapson’s assessment of how the Forest players performed against Sunderland.
First half XI
Carlos Miguel: After having little to do against Chesterfield and then again for the first 30-odd minutes in Spain, he would have wanted to make an impact when faced with a penalty kick. Went the right route, but the ball flew beneath him.
Joe Worrall: The Reds’ defence was not particularly challenged in the first half, as they controlled the most of possession. Nuno appears to be keen on using a back three next season.
Murillo: Uncharacteristically sloppy play by the Brazilian for the penalty. Gave the ball away then tried to make up for it with a clumsy challenge on Rigg. Couldn’t really have any complaints about the decision.
Zach Abbott: Another opportunity for the youngster, building on his spot in the starting XI against Chesterfield. Looked really composed and confident. Very impressive.
Eric da Silva Moreira: A chance for the summer signing to show what he could do as a wing-back, having operated as right-back last time out. Pushed high up the pitch and brought plenty of energy.
Nicolas Dominguez: Made a couple of promising bursts into the box early on, earning his team a corner on both occasions. Positive play from the Argentine as the Reds were keen to get on the front foot.
Danilo: Got through a fair bit of work and played his part in some nice moves. Forest did fade a bit as the half wore on but a decent showing.
Ola Aina: Pinged some terrific balls forward, including setting up Dominguez with one inside the first few minutes. Got forward well down the left flank.
Morgan Gibbs-White: Donned the armband to lead the team out and saw a fair bit of the ball early on. Some neat touches and took a big block to keep him off the scoresheet.
Chris Wood: Delightful turn and shot on the edge of the area for his early effort. A deflection prevented him from getting his second goal of pre-season.
Callum Hudson-Odoi: Looked really sharp down the left. Despite the baking heat made some brilliant runs, setting up Gibbs-White with one of them.
Second half XI
Matt Turner: Has been pushed down the pecking order to third-choice keeper, following the arrival of Miguel. Didn’t really have a lot to do on this occasion.
Andrew Omobamidele: Pushed up the pitch – seems as though that was a clear instruction from Nuno to his defenders. Was comfortable enough on the ball.
Willy Boly: Marshalled a new-look back line well when the Black Cats did try to cause problems. Some tough competition in defence now, following the arrival of Nikola Milenkovic.
Harry Toffolo: A different role for the left-back as he formed part of the three-man back line for the second half. Generally stuck to his task.
Neco Williams: Was caught out late on but Sunderland couldn’t take advantage to win it at the death. Had done well otherwise.
Ibrahim Sangare: Seems keen to really kick on this coming season. Built on a strong showing against Chesterfield with another solid outing in Spain. Hopefully bodes well for a big campaign ahead.
Ryan Yates: So close to getting a winner right at the end with a header from a corner. Had put a shift in throughout.
Omar Richards: Some way to mark his first appearance in a Forest shirt. Really well-taken goal. Should give the left-back a big confidence boost after a nightmare two years.
