Nottingham Forest move out of the Premier League relegation zone after a 0-0 draw with Fulham, despite a disallowed goal and several second-half chances.
Nottingham Forest moved out of the relegation zone after a hard-fought 0-0 draw with Fulham at City Ground. The hosts created the better chances but were denied by the woodwork and a tight offside decision. The result lifted Forest above the drop zone in the Premier League table on goal difference.
The first half offered few clear chances as both sides struggled to find attacking rhythm. Forest tried to press early but lacked precision in the final third. Morgan Gibbs-White and Nicolas Dominguez both tested Bernd Leno with long-range efforts. Fulham’s best opportunity came from a set piece midway through the half. Calvin Bassey headed straight at goalkeeper Matz Sels from close range.
The game opened up after the interval following changes by Forest manager Vitor Pereira. Substitute Dan Ndoye immediately brought pace and energy to the attack. He appeared to win a penalty shortly after entering the pitch when bundled over by Bassey. However, the linesman’s flag ruled the move offside before the foul occurred.
Forest continued to push forward and nearly broke the deadlock minutes later. Full-back Ola Aina struck a powerful effort from distance that crashed against the crossbar. Fulham struggled to build sustained attacks as the hosts controlled much of the second half.
The biggest moment arrived in the 63rd minute when Ndoye thought he had scored. Neco Williams slipped a pass behind the defence and the winger calmly finished past Leno. Celebrations were short-lived after a VAR review ruled Ndoye narrowly offside. It was the second time in the half he had been denied by the same decision.
Forest continued searching for a winner late on. Substitute Taiwo Awoniyi had the best chance in the closing minutes. Played through by Elliot Anderson, the striker slid his shot wide of the post.
Aina delivered one of the strongest performances of the afternoon. The defender hit the crossbar and later produced a crucial block to stop a goalbound effort from Rodrigo Muniz. Ndoye also impressed after coming on at half-time. His direct running unsettled Fulham’s defence and created several dangerous situations.
For Fulham, Leno remained dependable between the posts when called upon. However, the visitors struggled to generate meaningful attacking chances. Their lack of creativity allowed Forest to dominate large spells of the second half.
Fulham failed to register a shot on target during the match. It was only the second time this season they had done so in the league. Forest, meanwhile, remain winless in seven Premier League games. They have also failed to score in 14 of their 30 league matches this campaign. Despite that attacking problem, the single point proved valuable in the survival battle.
Forest now sit on 29 points and moved above West Ham United on goal difference. Fulham remain in 11th place and continue chasing a potential European qualification spot.
Forest face FC Midtjylland in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday as they attempt to overturn a 1-0 deficit. They then travel to face Tottenham Hotspur in a crucial Premier League clash next Sunday.
Fulham return to league action against Burnley on Saturday as they continue their push for a top-half finish.
