A positive first-half display couldn’t be followed up at the City Ground, as Nottingham Forest once again blew a lead against Bournemouth — as the return of the Premier League saw a 1-1 draw. George Edwards was at the game
Despite pretty drastic changes to the City Ground, a steady influx of new players and a full pre-season for the manager, not much has changed at Nottingham Forest.
A positive, fluent and efficient first half, where Forest were in control, was followed by a second where the Reds seemed to forget how to play football and slip into their old habits.
As mentioned, so much positivity can be taken from the first 45 minutes. In possession, they showed great variation. Chances were created through quick passing and flowing moves, but Forest were also content to have the ball at their feet and patiently create an opening.
Out of possession, they tracked back well, kept to a rigid structure and neutralised the Bournemouth attack to set-piece threats and that only.
An early stoppage due to an upsetting injury to Danilo, a treasured member of the Forest family, could have disrupted Forest and their flow, but it didn’t, and we can only wish the Brazilian well at this very difficult time.
Replacing him was Ryan Yates, who complemented Forest’s threat perfectly with forward drive and positive ball retention.
They scored during their best spell of the game with Yates well forward, causing havoc and firing towards goal, after a brilliant exchange of quick forward passes from Forest’s creative players. Chris Wood was steaming in to score a striker’s goal as Neto spilled, his 12th goal in just 17 appearances under Nuno — he just keeps getting better, doesn’t he?
And to top it off, VAR went in Forest’s favour as a well-worked Bournemouth corner resulted in a fortunate finish: offside the call. That’s when you know Forest are having a good spell.
But as we know, Nottingham Forest find it very tough to string together two positive halves of football. Once the second came, and particularly when Ola Aina and Anthony Elanga were replaced, Forest fell flat.
In losing Elanga, perhaps the brightest attacking spark on show, they lost all width on the right and the creative patterns seemed to end. They lost intensity, positivity and intensity and never recovered from it until it was too late.
It’s the simple things such as stopping crosses or getting tight that eluded the Forest side in the second period, perfectly illustrated by the visitor’s equaliser, as the Cherries got the ball into the middle with ease before the fortunate spill to the feet of Semenyo.
Bournemouth failed to offer substance or intent throughout the 90 minutes but, being a Premier League team, when the opposition relinquishes space in key areas, they usually have the ability to punish. Thanks to a huge stroke of luck, the equaliser was completely self-inflicted as Forest failed to score the second goal and allowed the Cherries back into it.
“It’s happening again” was the goading chant from the visiting supporters. When you have a bogey team, they just keep haunting.
Willy Boly was one undoubted positive, doing what many wouldn’t and putting his foot through it when needed — no nonsense from the Ivorian.
But his efforts weren’t enough, as Forest at least ended a run of four consecutive opening day defeats, their winless run against Bournemouth now extended to nine league games.
It could be down to legs going, given how early on in the season we are and the intensity demanded by the manager. But, whatever the reason, throwing away leads just seems to be in Forest’s DNA, and it’s a trait they need to address if they are to steer clear of relegation troubles this season.
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