Leon Osman shares how Everton survived when exposed v Nottingham Forest
Everton supporters have even more to cheer about in the second half of their season after snatching a dramatic late victory from Nottingham Forest.
Abdoulaye Doucoure fired the winner nearly four minutes into added time at the City Ground on Saturday (12 April), condemning the third-placed side in the Premier League.
Everton have now faced each of the top three in their last three league matches, taking a respectable four points.
Leon Osman explains how Everton defied Nottingham Forest
Everton have added possibly the most impressive result yet of David Moyes’ returning reign to their list, as Doucoure found the net deep into stoppage time after great work from Dwight McNeil.
Moyes had the Toffees resolute at the back yet again, with Forest only allowed very limited opportunities of their own, even despite the return of Chris Wood up top.
Former Goodison Park midfielder Osman – who made over 400 appearances in the famous blue shirt – noted how on the two occasions Everton did falter, they made tactical fouls with yellow cards in exchange for their defensive regroup.
He also added how the Toffees thoroughly deserved to win the game, and the late Doucoure moment was their just reward.
Osman explained on BBC Radio 5 Live (12 April, 17:00): “Throughout the entire game, Everton left themselves exposed on just two occasions and took a yellow card on both occasions.
“Everton were the team who had the intent to win the game. When that goal went in, I have to say Everton deserved it.”
Moyes gathering momentum for exciting 2025-26
Everton are consistently giving an excellent account of themselves against the very best in the Premier League. Moyes unsurprisingly backs his convictions with supreme confidence – he knows Everton inside-out.
Having faced the top three in the past 10 days and narrowly lost only to Liverpool in a controversially officiated Merseyside derby (2 April), confidence is not in short supply at Goodison Park.
The next visitors to the Old Lady are Manchester City next week, before a trip to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea, as it doesn’t get any easier.
| David Moyes | Matches | W | D | L | Win rate |
| Everton | 14 | 5 | 6 | 3 | 35.71% |
But these fixtures, which used to be dreaded, are now relished. The mentality shift under Moyes has been remarkable in such a short space of time.
Everton await the most exciting part of their future in the summer and are hitting momentum at just the right time. Try telling Toffees fans this time last year that this is where they’d be.