Abdoulaye Doucouré struck a dramatic winner in the 94th minute as Everton delivered a significant blow to Nottingham Forest’s Champions League ambitions with a last-gasp victory at the City Ground.
With the match seemingly destined to end in stalemate, the visitors found a decisive moment deep into stoppage time. Substitute Dwight McNeil threaded a precise pass through to Doucouré, who maintained his composure to slot the ball past Matz Sels and seal all three points for the Blues.
Nuno Espírito Santo’s side have enjoyed a remarkable campaign, rising to third in the Premier League. However, wins for Manchester City and Aston Villa earlier in the weekend pushed Forest down to fifth, tightening the race for a top-four finish.
On a sweltering afternoon, the first half offered few clear chances, with both goalkeepers called into routine action. James Garner’s low drive and Iliman Ndiaye’s glancing header were comfortably held by Sels, while Jota Silva tested Jordan Pickford with a sharp effort on the turn, followed by a soft header.
After the interval, Callum Hudson-Odoi attempted to inject some urgency, cutting inside dangerously on the break, but his curling shot lacked the power to trouble Pickford.
As full-time approached, Everton capitalised on a swift counterattack to snatch a memorable win—one that lifts them up to 14th in the table and leaves Forest reeling from a missed opportunity to consolidate their top-four position.
