Roy Hodgson surpassed the 400-game mark as a Premier League manager, and in the circumstances, this was a point worth celebrating for Crystal Palace as well.
Palace have been destroyed by injury, threatening to derail this historic moment for the well-travelled, senior manager.
They undoubtedly limited Palace’s chances of adding to their stunning triumph at Manchester United, and with Eberechi Eze among their latest victims, it’s no surprise they weren’t at their most inventive.
Palace opened the game without nine first-team players, and that number grew to double digits when they lost Jeffrey Schlupp and then Jairo Riedewald.
No wonder Hodgson stated he can’t recall an injury situation like it in his 26 years in the Premier League, let alone his nearly half-century as a manager. Nonetheless, Palace gave their all and limited Forest to few clear chances at the other end to achieve a creditable draw.
During the week, Cheick Doucoure joined Joel Ward and Palace’s star player Eze on the sidelines, however they did have top scorer Odsonne Edouard returned from a hamstring injury.
Forest, on the other hand, had their own issues, having suffered a big blow before of the game, losing Taiwo Awoniyi for up to a month with a groin injury.
By the end, Forest’s build up was not far behind Palace’s, with Serge Aurier and Oriel Mangala also forced out at Selhurst Park.
Palace grabbed charge comfortably at first, but Forest eventually calmed and gained control.
Harry Toffolo challenged Sam Johnstone with a thundering attempt from distance in his first appearance since receiving a five-month suspended betting ban, before Morgan Gibbs-White came inches away from a superb Forest opening.
Murillo’s raking long pass was met with a first-time, cushioned lob over the charging Johnstone. Everything about his attempt appeared to be perfect, except for the angle of his contact, which was just off as the ball hit the inside of the post and bounced back to a relieved Johnstone.
Schlupp then fell to the turf and had to leave the game, causing Palace even another defeat.
It was the last thing they needed, but his replacement, Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, helped Palace turn the game around, and he emerged as their most dangerous threat.
With a moment of trickery that left Toffolo tumbling to the ground, the youthful winger raised the audience, and Palace gave him the ball more and more as the half progressed, understanding the challenges he was posing with his skill and directness.
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