Nottingham Forest and West Brom played out a thrilling draw at the City Ground, however, the Baggies are still searching for their first win after returning to the Championship. Despite controlling the game for a large period, Forest buckled under late pressure from the slow-starting visitors. The game ended in a flurry of end-to-end football with neither side able to grab a winner.
Nottingham Forest and West Brom Play Out Draw
West Brom will be by far the happier side after this midweek thriller. Forest dominated the game for large periods, particularly the first half. Albion were chasing shadows, as Forest repeatedly found success with long, diagonal passes into the channels. West Brom were too lethargic in their movement whilst in possession, with the Baggies failing to trouble the Forest goalkeeper at all.
Forest took a deserved lead just before the hour mark through Adlene Guedioura’s deflected effort. Guedioura began to run the show in the second half as everything Forest did went through him, including the moment he almost scored a spectacular second, shooting from inside his own half. His early goal of the season contender was denied by the fingertips of Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.
Gayle’s Immediate Impact
Darren Moore’s Baggies looked set for a second straight defeat until the introduction of on-loan striker, Dwight Gayle. Gayle gave West Brom something different going forward as he hit the post just before Albion managed to grab a late leveller when Matt Phillips’ half-volley found the net.
West Brom could have won it in the end, as they hit the crossbar twice in quick succession. A fantastic end-to-end finale ensured but neither side able to win it. West Brom will be the happier of the two sides with this result as Forest should’ve put them to the sword. Darren Moore still has much to do if he is to mould a promotion-winning team from this team.
Forest Frustration
Nottingham Forest boss Aitor Karanka spoke about his feelings of frustration and optimism as he spoke to BBC Radio Nottingham:
”The feeling is frustration, we played very well. We were better than them and we should have won the game.”
”If you do not score the second one and then you make one mistake, playing against teams like West Brom, you will be penalised.”
”But I have to be optimistic because, playing in the way we have played today, we will win a lot of games for sure.”
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