Penalty drama as Everton secure crucial win against Forest

• Everton defeated Nottingham Forest 2-0 in the Premier League, a potentially crucial relegation battle on Sunday afternoon.

Everton defeated Nottingham Forest 2-0 in the Premier League, a potentially crucial relegation battle on Sunday afternoon.

Idrissa Gueye’s goal in the first half gave Sean Dyche’s team the lead at Goodison Park, and Dwight McNeil’s goal in the last seconds sealed the precious points.

However, Forest felt unfairly treated when three convincing penalty appeals against Ashley Young of Everton were rejected by VAR.

Everton moved five points clear of the relegation zone with their second victory in their past 16 league outings.

While fourth-place Forest, third-place Luton, and second-place Burnley have just four games left, the Toffees have five.

McNeil was on the score sheet against Forest. Photo/ The Guardian

Everton is facing a nerve-wracking battle for survival for the third season running, but this was a crucial turning point in their attempt to hold onto the premier league title they have had since 1954.

This season’s match between Everton and Forest on Merseyside had earned itself the title of “deduction derby” due to the points penalties both teams had accrued.

Earlier this season, Everton was given a 10-point penalty for financial infractions, which was later lowered to six on appeal.

They are contesting the recent two-point reduction for identical offenses in another case.

Due to financial violations, Forest has also been docked four points; their appeal is scheduled for this Wednesday.

How the game unfolded

Everton fans would have least anticipated a goal from senior midfielder Gueye of all the players in their squad, but after a scoreless opening, it was Gueye who would put the home club ahead.

Thirty yards away, Gueye took a touch as the ball was only half cleared to him. A low, bobbling attempt from the edge of the area made its way into the far bottom corner.

Soon after, Dominic Calvert-Lewin nearly scored again with a deflected shot that went just past the post, much to the relief of Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels. The visitors were only saved from equalizing by a magnificent save from Jordan Pickford, who stopped Chris Wood’s close-range volley.

The ball struck Ashley Young’s outstretched arm just before the halftime whistle, leading Forest to believe they should have been awarded a penalty. However, the referee and VAR determined that the wide player and Callum Hudson-Odoi were too near to each other for it to be considered an infraction.

Jordan Pickford kept Everton ahead after Neco Williams set up the Forest striker at the far post. Pickford had to lunge to stop a close-range volley from Chris Wood.

VAR drama in the game. Photo/ The Irish Independent

Just before the break, Young stopped a cross with his arm, but Forest felt wronged by another VAR call that spared them a penalty.

Remarkably, Young was involved once again as Forest’s third penalty petition was turned down in the second half following the Everton defender’s clip of Callum Hudson-Odoi.

Gibbs-White had a fantastic chance to tie the score, and with 14 minutes remaining, McNeil delivered the game-ending punch.

Similar to the first half, Everton’s start to the second half was a little scrappy, which fit with their standing in the competition.

Although Forest had not had many opportunities, Gibbs-White might have tied the score for his team at the hour mark instead of misfiring with his attempt.

With 14 minutes remaining, Everton had effectively neutralized Forest’s attacks as the game headed into its final quarter and ended it there.

After a deft one-two on the boundary, McNeil produced a low shot that was strikingly identical to Gueye’s, which went inside the post and into the bottom corner of the net.

The game had been dwindling as extra time was extended, but Beto looked particularly bad after a hard head-on collision with Gibbs-White. The striker needed almost ten minutes of medical attention before greeting the supporters as he left the field.

For a little while, his health rendered Everton’s victory meaningless, but Sean Dyche and his team could finally exhale in relief for football-related issues as they stormed out of the bottom three—at least for the time being.