Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest played out a goalless draw in the late Premier League kick off at Selhurst Park as Palace struggle to pick up three points against Forest again since the Reds return to the top flight. It is another draw for Steve Cooper's side who have now drawn three of their last four league games.
Roy Hodgson made three changes to his side that beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford. All three were injury forced as Joel Ward, Cheick Doucoure and Eberechi Eze came out the side for Jairo Riedwald, Nathaniel Clyne and Odsonne Edouard. The three players dropping out join a lengthy injury list that has now extended to over seven players. Steve Cooper made three changes to his side that drew 1-1 to Brentford. Moussa Niakhate dropped out through suspension as Harry Toffolo took his place. Taiwo Awoniyi starts his month long injury and he was replaced by Chris Wood while Morgan Gibbs-White returned to the eleven for Anthony Elanga.
It was Forest who came close first as the ball dropped to Toffolo mid way through the Palace half from a Gibbs-White corner and his powerful strike stung the palms of keeper Sam Johnstone. Toffolo making his first league start of the season following a good substitution display against Brentford in which the defender assisted the equaliser.
Forest came close again as Murillo lofted a long ball forward which Gibbs-White got on the end of and his loft over Johnstone slowly hit the post. The young English midfielder is yet to score this season and will be hoping he can find the net soon to keep living up to expectations.
The chances kept flowing for the away side and it was Murillo involved again. The Brazilian centre half made a mazy run through the Palace half beating multiple players before being denied by Johnstone, A moment of brilliance by the defender who had another strong performance after a very good debut against Brentford.
That was it for the first half as it was Forest who were dominating the proceedings with some big chances. Night and day compared to their performances away from home in the last Premier League campaign, The Reds were forced into a change though as captain Serge Aurier went off for Gonzalo Montiel with the Ivorian picking something up during the first half.
The home side then had a golden chance to take the lead. A two versus one with Edouard and Jean-Philippe Mateta against Murillo as the starter played it across to the latter for Palace but the Frenchman dragged his shot wide, It looked certain that Mateta would open his account for the new season but it was a hand in hands moment for the forward.
Forest would get another chance before the end of the game. Nicolas Dominguez beating his man before letting off a left footed shot from the edge of the box which was acrobatically saved by Johnstone. The Argentine close to scoring again following his home debut goal last week.
That was the final action of the game as both teams had to settle for a point. Palace would take the point considering their injury problems but will want to add to an unbeaten run of three league games. The Eagles travel to Newcastle United next and will look to be solid at the back again as they have also kept three consecutive clean sheets in the league. Forest will be disappointed not to be walking away with all three points due to the amount of chances they had. They next host Luton Town after the international break where they will be looking to pick up their first win since Chelsea,
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