Latest Nottingham Forest player ratings as Vitor Pereira’s Reds beat Burnley 4-1 at the City Ground
16:01, 19 Apr 2026Updated 16:13, 19 Apr 2026
Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Burnley at City Ground
Morgan Gibbs-White’s superb 15-minute hat-trick clinched a vital 4-1 victory over Championship-bound Burnley for Nottingham Forest.
The Reds started the day just two points above the Premier League relegation zone following Tottenham Hotspur’s draw with Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday. The clash with the Clarets, therefore, represented an opportunity to put some distance between themselves and the bottom three.
Ahead of the game, an emotional tribute was paid to Elliot Anderson’s late mother, Helen. The England international had missed Thursday’s Europa League win over Porto following the family bereavement, but he returned to the XI against Burnley and a moment’s applause was held prior to kick-off.
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The hosts saw plenty of possession in the opening stages but struggled to do a great deal with it. Indeed, it took until the 22nd minute for either side to register an effort at goal – with Matz Sels thwarting a James Ward-Prowse free-kick.
The closest Forest came to even creating a chance in the first half hour came when Chris Wood tried to play in Morgan Gibbs-White. However, the No.10 slipped as the ball came to him and the moment passed.
It was a dismal first half from both teams, but the Reds were given a severe wake-up call just before the interval. In added time, Zian Flemming was left free at the back post to slot in Quilindschy Hartman’s cross and give the visitors the lead.
The atmosphere at the City Ground was becoming increasingly tense and matters didn’t improve much in the second half. Gibbs-White spurned an opportunity early on but made no mistake when another chance came his way in the 63rd minute, pouncing on a Ward-Prowse error to level the scores.
Seven minutes later, Forest’s No.10 did it again. This time he brilliantly volleyed in from Omari Hutchinson’s cross to put Vitor Pereira’s men ahead.
Gibbs-White then completed the turnaround and got his hat-trick when he nodded in Ryan Yates’ ball with 69 minutes gone, then Igor Jesus put the gloss on the scoreline with a strike in added time. The win moved the Reds five points clear of Spurs with five games to play. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the City Ground.
Matz Sels: Couldn’t do much about Flemming’s goal – even if he did seem to get a hand to it – as needed more help from those in front of him. Had made a smart save from Ward-Prowse before that but wasn’t greatly tested otherwise. Rating: 7/10
Ola Aina: Stuck to his task after the Reds suffered that first-half setback. Defence stood firm after the break and were not overly stretched as Forest fought back for a crucial three points. Rating: 7/10
Nikola Milenkovic: Paid the price for a poor headed clearance when Burnley capitalised to break the deadlock in the first half. Put it behind him, though, and was steady after that. Rating: 6.5/10
Murillo: Seemed like he had shrugged off the knock he had sustained on Thursday night. But the Brazilian lasted less than 45 minutes as he pulled up just before half-time – after thwarting a Burnley attack – and had to make way. Rating: 6.5/10
Neco Williams: Continues to give nothing less than 100 percent. Runs himself into the ground and fights for everything, setting the standard for everyone else. Rating: 8/10
Ibrahim Sangare: Had to dig in and did his best to keep the Reds ticking when things were not going their way. Kept plugging away, and Forest got their rewards in the end. Rating: 7.5/10
Elliot Anderson: Unbelievable strength of character to make himself available again so soon after the death of his mother. What a man and what a player; had the full respect of everyone in the City Ground. Rating: 8/10
Omari Hutchinson: Much better in the second half when he teed Gibbs-White up to give the hosts the lead. Hadn’t really made his mark in the opening 45 minutes but contributed to the turnaround. Rating: 7/10
Morgan Gibbs-White: Stepped up once again. He is dragging Forest to points and results with everything he has. Give him the freedom of the city and get him on that plane to the World Cup. Rating: 9.5/10
Dilane Bakwa: Hooked at the break after a generally poor first 45 minutes. Wasn’t the only one to struggle in the first half but had offered so little he gave Pereira little choice but to make a change. Rating: 4/10
Chris Wood: First Premier League start for almost 200 days for the front man. A relief for the Reds that he was able to feature at all after taking a whack to the knee in midweek, and he certainly put a shift in. Rating: 7/10
Subs
Jair Cunha (for Murillo, 42mins): Looked steady and assured when drafted in to replace Murillo. Definitely has something about him and seems a bright prospect. Rating: 7/10
Igor Jesus (for Bakwa, 46mins): Put the seal on a fine second half with a lovely, confidence-boosting goal. Had worked hard before that. Rating: 7/10
Ryan Yates (for Wood, 76mins): An assist for the midfielder barely a minute after entering the fray. Was a delightful cross for Gibbs-White to head in. Rating: 7.5/10
Morato (for Hutchinson, 88mins): Brought on to help the hosts see out the final minutes. Did his job as a massive victory was secured. Rating: 6/10
Nicolas Dominguez (for Gibbs-White, 88mins): Didn’t get long out there but did his bit. Will have a part to play in the final games, for sure. Rating: 6.5/10
Subs not used: Ortega, Awoniyi, McAtee, Netz.
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