Nottingham Forest ‘hammer blow’ shared on Sky Sports after Everton win
Everton have gathered some impressive results since the return of David Moyes back in January, but not many match what they did on Saturday.
The Toffees superbly snatched a memorable 1-0 victory from the City Ground against Nottingham Forest (12 April), an opponent who have mowed down many before them throughout this season to sit third in the Premier League.
Abdoulaye Doucoure‘s finish sent the travelling hordes of blue into elation in stoppage time, as the Toffees moved above Tottenham Hotspur into 14th on 38 points.
Kris Boyd wowed by what Everton did at Nottingham Forest
Everton supporters would have bitten your hand off for a goalless draw in what has proven to be a fixture too far for many in the Premier League this term.
Forest have been the success story of the season, but fell short to a huge break from the Toffees to take all three points from under their noses.
Inside the fourth minute of five allotted at the end of the second half, Murillo was dispossessed by Dwight McNeil who surged forward in a three-on-two counter.
He expertly found Doucoure with a switch pass, and the Malian tucked an excellent finish beyond Matz Sels to cue raptures in the away end.
Kris Boyd, covering the contest live on Sky Sports News‘ Soccer Saturday (12 April, 16:51), was in awe of the counter-attack from Everton to continue their encouraging form under Moyes.
“We’re used to Nottingham Forest hitting teams on the counter-attack, well Everton have done that to them today,” Boyd affirmed.
“It’s a counter down the right-hand side, Dwight McNeil plays it across to Doucoure, and he just chips it over Sels into the back of the net.
“It’s a hammer-blow for Nottingham Forest.”
Manchester City and Chelsea challenges beckon
Everton have gone toe-to-toe with each of the Premier League’s top three in their last trio of games, picking up a win, a draw and a defeat.
With Liverpool, Arsenal and Forest now in Moyes’ rear-view mirror, it barely gets any easier, with Manchester City and Chelsea up next.
City are fourth in the Premier League having recovered to steamroll Crystal Palace 5-2 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, proving they do not need Erling Haaland for goals.
| Everton – final six fixtures | Date |
| Manchester City (H) | 19 April |
| Chelsea (A) | 26 April |
| Ipswich (H) | 3 May |
| Fulham (A) | 10 May |
| Southampton (H) | 18 May |
| Newcastle (A) | 25 May |
Chelsea could finish the weekend fifth as they take on Ipswich Town on Sunday (13 April), meaning there is a chance Everton take on the top five teams in order in consecutive game-weeks.
What is most impressive is how Everton match anyone in the division, gather points when many do not expect, and provide their fans with unforgettable moments like that of Doucoure’s goal in the East Midlands on Saturday afternoon.