Nottingham Forest vs Crystal Palace Report

Scorer: Wood 65’

Chris Wood’s Strike Earns Nottingham Forest a 1-0 Victory Over Crystal Palace

Nottingham Forest ended their seven-game winless streak at home with a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace, thanks to Chris Wood’s second-half goal.

The win lifts Forest to eighth in the Premier League, while Palace remain winless in their first eight league matches of the season.

First Half: Chances but No Goals

Crystal Palace came into the match determined to secure a positive result and move out of the relegation zone.

They almost found an early breakthrough when Eberechi Eze curled an effort narrowly wide from the edge of the box. Forest responded well, with midfielder Elliot Anderson forcing a smart save from Dean Henderson after a piece of excellent close control.

Both sides created several opportunities in an absorbing first half-hour. Eddie Nketiah rattled the woodwork with a long-range shot, while Ryan Yates saw a looping header hit the post for Forest.

Just before halftime, Callum Hudson-Odoi delivered a tempting cross, but Chris Wood’s stretch couldn’t find the net as Henderson saved comfortably.

Second Half: Forest Capitalise, Palace Frustrated

The second half continued in the same vein, with chances for both teams. Eze looked lively for Palace, seeing a sharp volley saved by Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels.

The England international came even closer on the hour mark, but Sels tipped his powerful shot onto the bar with a brilliant diving save.

Those saves proved vital, as Nottingham Forest broke the deadlock in the 65th minute. Chris Wood’s first-time shot from 20 yards out slipped under Dean Henderson, whose reaction was too slow to keep it out.

Forest, buoyed by the goal, pressed for a second to put the game beyond Palace, but the visitors remained dangerous.

As the match entered the final 10 minutes, Sels was called into action again, producing another spectacular save to deny Palace substitute Jeffrey Schlupp.

Despite their efforts, Palace couldn’t find a way past Forest’s determined defence, and the hosts held firm to secure the three points.

Crystal Palace’s Struggles Continue

The defeat leaves Crystal Palace winless in their first eight league matches of the season, the first time they’ve experienced such a poor start since the 1992/93 campaign. The pressure continues to mount on manager Oliver Glasner, as the Eagles remain in the relegation zone.

Conclusion

Nottingham Forest’s victory lifts them to eighth in the Premier League table, while Crystal Palace’s poor start to the season continues.

Chris Wood’s goal and Matz Sels’ heroics between the posts were crucial in Forest’s hard-fought win, while Palace will need to regroup quickly as pressure mounts on their manager Oliver Glasner.

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Nottm Forest v Crystal Palace, 2024/25 | Premier League