Nottingham Forest's persistent attacking struggles were laid bare again in a 2-0 Premier League defeat at Brentford on Saturday. The result marks a sixth consecutive league loss for Oliver Glasner's side, who remain rooted in the relegation zone with only six points from eight games.
Forest created the better chances at the Gtech Community Stadium but failed to convert any of their 15 attempts. Brentford's goals both came via deflections off defender Nikola Milenkovic, with Dango Ouattara's cross turned in for an own goal before Igor Thiago's 76th-minute strike sealed the points. The visitors' only shot on target arrived in the 79th minute, a late header from substitute Ryan Yates that was comfortably saved.
Wasteful finishing
Liam Delap, the £50 million signing from Chelsea, was substituted after just 20 minutes having failed to register a shot on target. James McAtee saw a curling effort saved by Caoimhín Kelleher, while Yates, after coming on, headed a golden chance over from four yards out in the second half. Morgan Gibbs-White also had three attempts without success, including a first-half volley that flew over the bar.
This profligacy has defined Forest's season. They sit 18th in the Premier League table, having scored just six goals. Their recent form reads five games without a win, with four losses and a draw against Ipswich. The team's goal drought now extends to over 360 minutes of Premier League football.
Defensive misfortune
The nature of the defeat added to the frustration. Milenkovic was unfortunate to see Ouattara's attempted pass ricochet off his boot and into his own net just before half-time. The Serbian defender was then involved again for the second goal, as Thiago's finish took a decisive deflection. Brentford, who had drawn 12 of their previous 18 league games, managed only one shot on target themselves, which was the deflected winner.
Manager Oliver Glasner lamented his team's lack of a cutting edge, stating, 'We had enough chances to score but we didn't. In the end, we lost because of two deflections. It's a very disappointing result.'
The loss extends a worrying run for Forest, who have now failed to win any of their last six matches played on Halloween. Supporters voiced their displeasure at full-time as the team was booed off the pitch.
Attention now turns to a daunting home fixture against league leaders Manchester City next Saturday. Forest, who are 15 points behind Pep Guardiola's side, will need a drastic improvement in front of goal to have any chance of halting their slide.
More detail at theguardian.com
