Nottingham Forest player ratings as Anderson shines and Wood scores to beat Crystal Palace

Chris Wood’s fifth goal of the season secured Nottingham Forest’s first home win of the Premier League campaign as they beat Crystal Palace 1-0 at the City Ground.

The Reds went into the game without suspended duo Morgan Gibbs-White and James Ward-Prowse, while head coach Nuno Espirito Santo was absent from the dugout as he served the first of a three-match ban. It took the hosts a little while to get going as they sought their first win Trentside since April, but after a couple of warning shots from their opponents they began to find their rhythm.

Elliot Anderson took up the No.10 role in Gibbs-White’s absence and caused the visitors problems, forcing a save from ex-Red Dean Henderson just past the 15-minute mark. Wood had a hat-trick of chances in the opening 45 minutes, with one being cleared off the line. But it was Ryan Yates who went closest to a breakthrough in the first half when he hit the post with a header.

Matz Sels had to make a superb save to keep out Eberichi Eze after the break, and just a few minutes later Forest made that moment count. Wood drove a first-time effort into the bottom corner from outside the box to give his team the lead.

Sels had to make another big stop to secure the three points but the Reds came through for the win. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the City Ground.

Matz Sels: Didn’t always have a great deal to do but was excellent when he needed to be. Made two superb saves to ensure the Reds claimed a first home win of the season. Rating: 8.5/10

Ola Aina: Made some really strong forward runs as Forest pushed for the three points. Contributed to keeping Palace at bay as he stuck to his task throughout. Rating: 8/10

Nikola Milenkovic: A well-earned clean-sheet at the City Ground. Palace were mainly restricted to shooting from range as the defence (and whole team) did their job. Rating: 8/10

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Murillo: Partnership with Milenkovic really is rock-solid. They were not tested too often by the visitors but did what they needed to do to get the victory. Rating: 8/10

Alex Moreno: Made an important block from Will Hughes in the second half when the game was still 0-0. Equally capable of making an impact at the other end of the pitch with a terrific run to set up a chance for Anderson. Rating: 8/10

Ryan Yates: Agonisingly close to getting on the scoresheet when he hit the woodwork in the first half. Midfield didn’t always have an easy time of it but dug in. Rating: 7.5/10

Nicolas Dominguez: Guilty of a bit of sloppy play in the first half, giving the ball away a little too easily. Much better after the break and put in a big shift. Rating: 7.5/10

Anthony Elanga: Had a few bright moments but lacked the end product to really make them count. Couldn’t quite have the impact he would have liked on his return to the XI. Rating: 6/10

Elliot Anderson: Superb. Revelled in the No.10 role as he stepped in for Gibbs-White. A thorn in Palace’s side all night and showed his class, with a goal the only thing missing. Rating: 9/10

Callum Hudson-Odoi: Seemed to pick up a slight knock before coming off but didn’t look too serious. Involved in some positive passages of play even if not quite at his best. Rating: 7/10

Chris Wood: Who else was going to open the scoring?! Might have expected to do it in the first half with the chances he had, but got there in the end for his fifth of the season. Rating: 8.5/10

Subs

Jota Silva (for Elanga, 63mins): A terrier whenever he is on the pitch. Might have hoped to get his first Premier League start, but it must surely be coming. Rating: 7.5/10

Neco Williams (for Moreno, 78mins): Helped the Reds see out the victory and looked to get up the pitch when he could. Always gives his all. Rating: 7/10

Morato (for Anderson, 78mins): More valuable minutes for the defender, who is trusted to help see out games. Will have enjoyed that one. Rating: 7/10

Taiwo Awoniyi (for Wood, 84mins): Had some bright moments during his few minutes on the pitch. Could do with a goal to get him going, though. Rating: 7/10

Ramon Sosa (for Hudson-Odoi, 84mins): Lively cameo appearance as Forest pushed to get another goal. Rating: 7/10

Subs not used: Miguel, Omobamidele, Toffolo, Boly.

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