Nottingham Forest lost 3-1 to Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday, letting an early lead slip to a damaging defeat at Selhurst Park. The result leaves Oliver Glasner's side 15th in the table with just five points from their opening six matches, a start that will worry supporters.
D. Ndoye gave Forest a dream start, scoring after just three minutes. The visitors controlled much of the first half but were pegged back before the break. Kamada equalised for Palace in the 41st minute, assisted by Timber, and Jefferson Lerma put the Eagles ahead just before half-time following a pass from Wharton. Yéremy Pino extended the home side's lead in the 59th minute, sealing a 3-1 win.
Match details
Forest dominated possession with 57% and outshot their hosts 24 to 13, but were less clinical in front of goal. The expected goals tally of 3.34 to 2.41 underlined their wasted opportunities. Manager Oliver Glasner made four changes in the second half, introducing Ibrahim Sangaré, Hudson-Odoi, Wood and Kalimuendo, but they could not find a way back into the game. Yellow cards were shown to Ola Aina and Murillo for Forest, while Palace's Lerma and Pino were also booked.
The defeat is Forest's second consecutive loss, following a 1-0 reverse against Coventry, and extends a difficult run of form. They now sit 13 points behind league leaders Manchester City after six games.
Attention turns immediately to a tough home fixture against Mikel Arteta's Arsenal next Sunday. The Gunners, currently second, visit the City Ground for a 4:30pm kick-off. Forest held Arsenal to a goalless draw in their last meeting at home in January, and they will need a similar resilient performance. The full schedule, including that key clash, is available on our fixtures list.
Forest's attacking woes have deepened, with the club now concerned about their record signing Liam Delap. The £50m striker missed a key chance in the 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace and has scored just once in five league games. Former chief scout Mick Brown told reporters, "Delap can't be the player Forest rely upon to score their goals." The side, 15th with five points, have failed to score in four of seven games this season.
Manager Oliver Glasner is under pressure after Forest's slow start. Former chief scout Mick Brown said, "Evangelos Marinakis is not happy with performances." The owner is known to be trigger-happy. Forest, 15th with five points, have lost their last two games. Their next fixture is against Arsenal at the City Ground.
Supporters have turned on star defender Murillo after the 3-1 loss at Palace. One fan on social media said they had "never seen a downfall like it," questioning if the Brazilian's "head is turned." The 15th-placed Reds have conceded eight goals in six league games, keeping just one clean sheet all season. Manager Oliver Glasner's side, with five points, host Arsenal next.
