Nuno’s programme notes matched by lifeless Nottingham Forest in Everton defeat

Nottingham Forest’s Champions League hopes took another hit with a 1-0 defeat at the hands of David Moyes’ Everton, as Abdoulaye Doucoure scored a late, late winner at the City Ground

In a season when Nottingham Forest’s players are looking to create some history, manager Nuno Espirito Santo beat them to it. His programme notes – 48 words in total – must be the shortest ever.

And after a drab, lifeless performance from his stars it looked like his team-talk was lacking a message too as Forest’s Champions League hopes took another major hit. A superb counter-attacking added-time winner by Abdoulaye Doucoure was richly deserved, rounding off a great day for David Moyes and Everton ’s delirious followers.

But it plunged Nuno and Forest fans into despair as their quest for Champions League football looks to be unravelling at just the wrong moment with back ti back defeats. If losing at Villa a week earlier felt bad this was a hammer blow for a team who look to be running on empty with big prizes tantalisingly close.

In differing ways, both managers are worthy of high praise this season – Nuno for the remarkable job in turning a 17th place finish for Forest last season into a success story that’s ignited the city. With an FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City and Champions League nights beckoning, he’s surely in line for Manager of the Year if they execute both targets – especially now.

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As for Moyes success has a different look. When he took charge in January, Everton were just one point clear of the relegation zone But he’s calmly steered Everton away from trouble and settled nerves ahead of the move to a new £800million stadium next season.

And at the City Ground, such was Everton’s tempo and aggression, Espirito Santo was relieved to get to half-time unscathed.

He’d witnessed a flat display from his high-flying stars who looked like a tough run of games had caught up with them. Everton started the game with real intent and although Iliman Ndiaye had a couple of sights of goal his efforts, a shot and header, lacked the power to trouble Matz Sels.

But Moyes was clearly happier with the productivity of his side with Pickford only making one save of note in the first half, a drive from Calllum Hudson-Odoi moments before the break. Everton had the edge throughout with Forest unable to find any rhythm and as the game drew to a close the warnings sign were there for home fans.

Forest survived a scare when Jack Harrison, teed up by Doucoure, shot over the bar after a 76th minute raid. But with the game deep in added time sub Dwight McNeill robbed Murillo on the half way line and a 3 vs 1 Everton overload ended with Doucoure expertly firing home.

Everton’s players and fans celebrated long after the whistle while stunned Forest supporters must wonder if their dream season is imploding before their eyes.

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