Nottingham Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has heaped praise on one of his star players after yesterday’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace. The Reds climbed out of the relegation zone at the first attempt following their their share of the spoils.
Forest tried to adopt a siege mentality for the visit of Palace to the City Ground. Forza Garibaldi produced a Trent End display, whilst the players produced a video before the game asking supporters to bring the noise.
It didn’t start according to plan. Jean-Philippe Matata smashed home from close range after some good work from Eberechi Eze to give the Eagles an early lead.
However, Forest responded in the second half whenChris Wood equalised. The New Zealand international scored a wonderful header following a superb ball from Morgan Gibbs-White with half an hour remaining.
Forest went on the hunt for a late winner but ultimately their efforts ended in vain. A defeat for Luton at Tottenham, however, did see Forest climb out of the relegation zone.
Nuno Espirito Santo praises one Nottingham Forest star after draw
The Reds were indebted to Matz Sels in claiming this point. The Forest goalkeeper made two wonderful saves to keep the score 1-0 and give the Reds a fighting chance in the contest.
Forest signed Sels from Strasbourg in the January transfer window. He has immediately replaced Matt Turner between the posts and ultimately he’s now considered the number one.
His first save yesterday from Eze was remarkable. He narrowed the angles superbly well and ensured the England forward was kept at bay and Forest stayed in the contest.
Espirito Santo was extremely impressed with his goalkeeper. He was quizzed on the stopper after yesterday’s game and he was extremely impressed with Sels.
He told BBC Sport: “This is what we want from our goalkeeper. It’s what we want him to do. To help us stay in the game and give us the opportunities to go again.”
Sels in confident mood and Forest now reaping the rewards
The 32-year-old is a player currently in fine form. He managed to get two Belgium caps to his name during the international break, withForest star Sels saving a penalty against the Republic of Ireland.
Espirito Santo is right that the Reds need their goalkeeper to be making saves. However, it’s not always been that simple with Forest this season and Turner made some very high-profile errors.
Sels looks like a very dependable player between the posts. Yesterday he was calm, assured and once again his kicking was fantastic throughout the clash with Palace.
Forest must now look forward to a game against Fulham on Tuesday night. A win is badly needed and hopefully, Sels will be in fine form for the Reds once again.
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