Nottingham Forest player ratings with scores from 7 to 9 in big win over Everton

Nottingham Forest made it five wins in a row as goals from Chris Wood and Morgan Gibbs-White clinched a 2-0 triumph over Everton at Goodison Park.

The Reds went into the game having made it four Premier League wins on the spin with their 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur last time out. But they were dealt a blow ahead of kick-off as centre-back Murillo pulled up during the warm-up and was replaced in the starting XI by Ramon Sosa.

Forest didn’t let the setback affect them, though, as they took the lead with 15 minutes gone. Wood had already had a couple of sights of goal before he lobbed Jordan Pickford with a delightful finish after a lovely link-up with Anthony Elanga.

Chances were in short supply at both ends of the pitch after that in the remainder of the first half. Armando Broja twice sent efforts off target for the hosts while Ramon Sosa spurned a golden opportunity to make it 2-0 to the Reds just before the interval.

Nevertheless, the second goal wasn’t long in coming after the break. Gibbs-White supplied an exquisite finish on the hour mark to double the visitors’ lead. It could have been three as Elanga had an opportunity to cap the afternoon off, but the three points were secured regardless. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at Goodison Park.

Matz Sels: A relatively quiet afternoon for the Belgian as was barely tested by the Toffees. Another clean-sheet to add to the collection in this incredible season. Rating: 7/10

Ola Aina: Grew into the game after looking a little bit out of sorts - by his standards - early on. Better in the second half and played his part in a great away win and another shut-out. Rating: 8/10

Nikola Milenkovic: A great partner for Morato to have alongside him as an experienced head. Late change in personnel before kick-off certainly didn’t impact the team performance and definitely didn’t faze the Serbia international. Rating: 8.5/10

Morato: Wouldn’t have known the summer signing was making only his second Premier League start. Looked so composed and more than stood up to the test in Murillo’s absence. Rating: 9/10

Neco Williams: Excellent again from the Welshman. He is in terrific form at the moment and has firmly cemented his place back in the starting XI. On it right from the word go on Merseyside. Rating: 9/10

Elliot Anderson: Put in one heck of a shift in the middle of the park. Didn’t stop running from the first minute until when he came off. So effective at winning the ball and getting the Reds going. Rating: 9/10

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Nicolas Dominguez: Worked well alongside Anderson. A terrier in there and did a sterling job of protecting the back line. Nuno will have a big selection decision to make in midfield next time out. Rating: 8.5/10

Anthony Elanga: Had a hand in both goals. Lovely combination with Wood for the first and then linked up with the front man again for Gibbs-White to double the visitors’ advantage. Made some big defensive contributions, too. Rating: 9/10

Morgan Gibbs-White: Exquisite pass in the lead-up to the opener was topped only by his sublime finish to put the Reds 2-0 up. Utter class and complete composure personified in both instances. Rating: 9/10

Ramon Sosa: Drafted in for his first Premier League start as a late change to the line-up was required. Clearly still getting to grips with English football somewhat, as shown by a missed chance before the break, but made a positive contribution nonetheless. Rating: 7.5/10

Chris Wood: Back on the scoresheet in style after three games without a goal. Delightful lob to set the visitors on their way, then got an assist to go with it by teeing up Gibbs-White. Rating: 8.5/10

Subs

Willy Boly (for Sosa, 69mins): Helped the Reds see the game out as they switched to the three-at-the-back formation they had intended to start with before Murillo’s injury. A commanding presence. Rating: 7.5/10

Jota Silva (for Gibbs-White, 75mins): Bright and energetic when he came on. Positive cameo appearance as he tries to get back into the starting XI. Rating: 7.5/10

Taiwo Awoniyi (for Wood, 75mins): Still waiting for that first goal. Will be such a confidence boost for the front man when it does come. Keeps plugging away in the meantime. Rating: 7/10

James Ward-Prowse (for Anderson, 82mins): Not long enough to make a significant impact. More minutes for the West Ham United loanee, though. Rating: 7/10

Harry Toffolo (for Williams, 82mins): Did his bit in the closing stages. Got a great reception from the away end, who chanted his name. Rating: 7/10

Subs not used: Miguel, Moreira, Abbott.

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