Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest Report

Scorers: Eze 60’ (P); Murillo 64’

Nottingham Forest’s bid to secure a top-five Premier League finish suffered another blow as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Despite briefly rallying in the second half to cancel out Eberechi Eze’s penalty, the result leaves Forest two points outside the UEFA Champions League qualification spots, having won just one of their last five league outings.

First Half – Missed Chances and Let-Offs

With rivals Aston Villa, Manchester City and Chelsea all notching recent victories, Forest entered the match under pressure to respond. However, they began sluggishly in South London, almost gifting Palace the lead when Tyrick Mitchell’s misjudged back pass nearly beat Dean Henderson in the opening exchanges.

Mitchell remained a key figure and helped create the game’s first notable opportunity around the half-hour mark. His deep cross reached Daniel Muñoz at the far post, whose volley was well saved by Matz Sels. Forest had the best chance of the half though, showcasing their trademark counter-attacking style. Chris Wood teed up Anthony Elanga following a swift break, but the Swedish winger’s effort was denied brilliantly by Henderson.

Second Half – Drama, Penalty, and Response

The contest came to life early in the second period, with a frantic spell of action inside 14 seconds. Ismaïla Sarr was denied from close range by Sels before Forest immediately broke down the other end, where Maxence Lacroix made a last-ditch block to deny Chris Wood a landmark 10th away league goal of the season.

VAR intervened just before the hour mark, awarding a penalty after Sels collided with Mitchell inside the area. Eze confidently slotted home the spot-kick for his third goal in as many matches, putting Palace ahead.

But the lead lasted just a minute as Forest responded immediately — Neco Williams’ low strike was turned in off Murillo’s outstretched leg to level the match.

Late Push, But No Breakthrough

Despite the lively exchanges, clear-cut chances were scarce in the closing stages. Eze came closest to snatching a winner with a curling strike that rattled the crossbar. Substitute Eddie Nketiah did have the ball in the net deep into stoppage time, but his effort was ruled out for offside.

Ultimately, the share of the spoils does little to help either side. Forest’s hopes of a top-five finish are now in serious jeopardy, especially having spent much of the season in third place. Palace, meanwhile, are drifting toward yet another bottom-half finish — their ninth in 10 Premier League campaigns.

For more info on this game’s outcome, you may also visit:
Crystal Palace v Nott’m Forest, 2024/25 | Premier League