For the fourth time since their promotion to the Premier League, Nottingham Forest couldn’t get past Wolverhampton Wanderers after another draw with the West Midlands side with the game finishing 1-1 at the City Ground. Two goals within two minutes of each other from Chris Wood and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde settled the game for the sides with Forest remaining unbeaten in the League.
Nuno Espírito Santo named an unchanged team from the victory at Southampton in their last Premier League outing. There were two changes on the bench however with Ramon Sosa coming in for Andrew Omobamidele. Sosa impressed in the Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle United in the week. Alex Moreno also coming in for Harry Toffolo. Gary O’Neil made three changes to the side humiliated 6-2 by Chelsea. Sam Johnstone made his debut following a deadline day switch From Crystal Palace as he replaced Jose Sa. Matt Doherty and Hee-Chan Hwang came out the side for Craig Dawson and Nelson Semedo.
It took ten minutes for the opening goal and it was Forest who conjured up the lead. An Elliot Anderson corner finding Wood at the back post and his header across the goal found the net. Two in two home games for the Forest number eleven with Anderson sending in a peach of a delivery for the goal.
Just two minutes later, Wolves equalised. The ball fell kindly for Bellegarde outside the box and his thunderbolt of an effort from 25 yards out beat Matz Sels. A superb goal from the midfielder who stunned Forest with an instant response.
Wolves then came close to taking the lead. Matheus Cunha this time taking range from distance but his low effort was just wide of the goal. The Brazilian looking to cause Forest problems again after scoring three against the Reds last season, two of which were at the City Ground.
It was then the home side’s turn to almost take the lead. Former Wolves man Morgan Gibbs-White with a free kick from the left side that almost found the top corner but was well saved by new boy Johnstone. Gibbs-White looking to haunt his former side and impress following his call up to the England national team.
That was it for the first half with the score level. Another fiery display between the sides with yellow cards being thrown about a lot. Forest started the better but after both goals, it fell more to an even half between the two Midlands sides.
Wood came close to a second ten minutes into the second half. While inside the box, Gibbs-White lobbed the ball towards Wood and his header was brilliantly saved by Johnstone. The new keeper enjoying a very good debut following his move from South London.
Cunha had another chance when the ball deflected into his path and he couldn’t quite curl the ball into the far corner. The former Athletico Madrid man being an ever threat against Forest and caused a lot of problems for Nuno’s side.
Forest then thought they took the lead with just six minutes to go. A corner from the right side saw Gibbs-White brilliantly denied by Johnstone at the front post, the ball eventually found its way to Wood at the back post and he found the net. But referee Simon Hooper instantly called it for offside, which was agreed with by VAR.
That was the final big moment and both sides had to settle for the point. Forest remain unbeaten ahead of the international break but would be disappointed not to have at least picked up seven points. The Reds travel to Anfield to play Liverpool after international break. Wolves pick up their first point of the season after a very difficult opening two games with a very good defensive performance. Wanderers next face Newcastle where they will look for their first win of the season.
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