Latest Nottingham Forest verdict as Sean Dyche’s Reds draw 1-1 with Crystal Palace at the City Ground
16:04, 01 Feb 2026Updated 16:11, 01 Feb 2026
Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr scores from the spot against Nottingham Forest(Image: Lee Keuneke/PA Wire)
A spirited second-half showing saw 10-man Nottingham Forest claim what could prove to be an important point in their survival fight as they drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace
Three points separated the teams in the table prior to kick-off at the City Groud. Sean Dyche’s side knew a win would move them eight points clear of the bottom three and drag their opponents into the thick of the relegation scrap.
Amid a feisty atmosphere Trentside, there was plenty of action at both ends of the pitch in the opening minutes. Will Huges had a shot blocked, then Matz Sels denied Jefferson Lerma on the follow-up before the Reds had a penalty appeal for a challenge on Igor Jesus turned down.
Any question marks over the spot-kick shout were quickly forgotten, though, as Forest went on to take the lead soon after. Palace failed to deal with a long throw and the ball fell nicely for Morgan Gibbs-White to slam it home in the fifth minute.
Forest – JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Get all the Nottingham Forest latest via our Facebook page
In an end-to-end affair, Palace looked dangerous when they got forward but the hosts forged some good openings as they tried to increase their lead. Igor Jesus had the best of the Reds’ opportunities but the Brazilian couldn’t quite make the most of them.
Forest paid the price for not pressing home their advantage as a moment of madness cost them on the stroke of half-time. Neco Williams was shown a red card for handling on the line as he kept out Lerma’s header and Ismaila Sarr blasted in the resulting penalty to make it 1-1.
To add to the challenge facing the 10-man Reds, goalkeeper Matz Sels did not reappear for the second half. Angus Gunn was brought on for his debut and his first league appearance since representing Norwich City in the Championship last May.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Forest limited the visitors to relatively little in the second half. They also created a few promising moments of their own going forward but had to settle for a point in the end. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the City Ground.
Matz Sels: Uncertainty over why the Belgian was replaced at half-time as there was no obvious injury evident. At least if it is anything serious, Forest now have another goalkeeper on the books as new signing Stefan Ortega was unveiled prior to kick-off. Rating: 7/10
Ola Aina: A bit sloppy early on and was fortunate not to be punished for some careless passing. Caused problems with his long throw, though, and that led to Gibbs-White opening the scoring. Rating: 6.5/10
Nikola Milenkovic: Stood firm after the break as Forest generally coped well with the reshuffle that came with being a man down. Serbian’s experience and composure invaluable in such situations. Rating: 8/10
Get breaking Forest news sent direct to your phone
Join our Nottingham Forest WhatsApp group and get the latest breaking news, interviews and opinion sent straight to your phone, plus matchday team news and live updates of all the action. Just click here and select ‘Join Community’ to get started. The only proviso is that you must have WhatsApp on your phone to participate. No one will be able to see your personal information and you will only receive messages from the NottinghamshireLive Reds writers.
We will not spam your WhatsApp feed with constant messages, but you will receive updates from us daily with the latest Reds stories. If you later decide to opt out, just go to the name at the top of your screen and click ‘Exit Group’. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. If you are curious, you can click here to read our Privacy Notice.
Murillo: Match no doubt didn’t pan out quite how he envisaged as he brought up a century of appearances in the Garibaldi. Needed to do better in the build-up to the moment that led to Williams’ dismissal and the penalty. Rating: 6.5/10
Neco Williams: What was he doing? Shook his head as he headed down the tunnel after being sent off. Might well have been instinct, but there was no need to handle the ball and leave his team facing a mammoth challenge in the second half. Rating: 3/10
Ibrahim Sangare: As composed as ever in the centre of the pitch. Used the ball well and helped protect the back line when Palace tried to make the extra man count. Such a steady presence for the Reds. Rating: 8.5/10
Elliot Anderson: Put in a big shift throughout as the Reds claimed what could be an important point. Always looks more comfortable with Sangare alongside him, although set-pieces still need some work. Rating: 8.5/10
Callum Hudson-Odoi: Hooked at half-time after an ineffective first half. Never really got going and needed to offer better defensive cover for Aina down that flank. Could do with finding his spark again. Rating: 6/10
Morgan Gibbs-White: Properly up for this one right from the off – perhaps not surprising given the opposition and context of this game. Took his goal ever so well to make it seven for the season in all competitions. Showed bags of heart and commitment. Rating: 8.5/10
Nicolas Dominguez: Looked heartbroken when he was sacrificed in the aftermath of Williams’ dismissal. Certainly debatable whether Dyche took the right man off, as the Argentine would surely have been up for the battle. Rating: 7.5/10
Igor Jesus: Received a standing ovation when he made way with 20 minutes to go, having worked tirelessly up until then. Couldn’t quite make a few opportunities count but deserved better protection from the referee for some robust challenges. Rating: 7.5/10
Subs
Morato (for Dominguez, 45+3mins): A few nervy moments in the second half as Forest tried to resist any Palace pressure. Helped the hosts see it out for a point, though. Rating: 7/10
Angus Gunn (for Sels, 46mins): Wasn’t really tested on his debut as he was well protected by his defence. A strange day for the Scot as the arrival of Ortega will push him down to third-choice when Sels is fit – yet here he was, making his first appearance for the club. Rating: 7/10
Ryan Yates (for Hudson-Odoi, 46mins): No question the club captain would get stuck in when his team were up against it. Contributed to a battling second half. Rating: 6/10
Dan Ndoye (for Jesus, 69mins): Couldn’t really do a great deal to make a difference. Surely bringing on one of the two strikers on the bench would have been a better option to replace Jesus? Rating: 6/10
Subs not used: Awoniyi, Lucca, Hutchinson, McAtee, Abbott.
How would you rate the Reds against Palace? Click HERE to have your say