Nottingham Forest’s bid for a historic Champions League qualification suffered a painful setback following a late 1-0 defeat to Everton, courtesy of a 94th-minute winner from Abdoulaye Doucouré. The loss, which came after a rare lapse in judgment by Brazilian defender Murillo, left the City Ground crowd stunned and Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo visibly frustrated.
In a post-match press conference, Nuno Espirito pulled no punches, stating bluntly, “There were no positives” to take from the game. The Nottingham Forest boss lamented his side’s lack of attacking threat and criticized their inability to cope with an aggressive Everton side. “We were not comfortable and didn’t play good. The game didn’t flow. Everton caused us a lot of problems,” he admitted.
Despite the disappointment, Nottingham Forest remain third in the Premier League table with six games to go. However, the gap between them and their rivals is tightening, and Nuno Espirito has issued a stark warning to his players: “It is in our hands, but nobody will give us anything. We have to do it by ourselves.”
Nuno Espirito Demands Urgency and Accountability from Players
With a crucial away clash against Tottenham Hotspur looming on April 21, Nuno Espirito made it clear that his squad must raise their game significantly. “We have to improve and compete much better — like we did before,” he stressed, emphasizing the need for a swift response to Sunday’s lackluster showing.
The Portuguese tactician acknowledged the psychological weight of the moment, noting that both players and fans could sense the team’s struggle. “We cannot get away from the fact it is a decisive moment of the season. The fans saw the boys were struggling,” he said. “We are in this position and we want to try to give it a go, but nobody is going to give us anything.”
Nottingham Forest’s inability to win key duels, secure second balls, and maintain composure under pressure were key factors in the loss. For Nuno Espirito, it’s a collective issue that requires a united and urgent effort to resolve. “We’re disappointed with the performance — it’s about us as a team,” he added.
Murillo’s Error Highlights Team Fragility, Not Individual Fault
The match’s defining moment came when 22-year-old Murillo, usually one of Nottingham Forest’s most reliable defenders, was dispossessed by Dwight McNeil deep in stoppage time, sparking the move that led to Everton’s goal. However, Nuno Espirito was quick to shield the young Brazilian from individual blame.
“It was not normal. The decision making was not the best,” Nuno Espirito admitted. “But it is not about players, it is about us as a team. When someone makes a mistake, we always have someone to try to correct it and help. It didn’t work out today.”
The coach also expressed frustration that the game was lost from a set-piece situation in Everton’s half. “We are disappointed because with an offensive corner in the last minutes of the game, we want to try to score. It is not even a counterattack,” he said. For Nuno Espirito, conceding in such a moment reveals deeper concentration and structural issues that must be urgently addressed.
Lack of Attacking Spark Raises Tactical Concerns
Beyond the defensive mishap, Nottingham Forest’s inability to generate meaningful offensive pressure was a major concern for Nuno Espirito. The team registered few clear-cut chances and struggled to break down an organized and physical Everton defense that consistently won battles in midfield and along the flanks.
“Credit to Everton, they were physical and didn’t allow us too much time on the ball,” Nuno Espirito admitted. “But we should do much better.” The head coach acknowledged that, while not every game can be won, preserving a point in difficult matches is crucial — especially at this late stage of the season. “If you cannot win because we didn’t play good, at least keep what you have,” he said.
With Tottenham, Chelsea, and Manchester United still on the fixture list, Forest will need to find attacking fluidity quickly if they are to avoid slipping out of the top four.
Next Steps: Spurs Showdown a Litmus Test for Nottingham Forest’s Resolve
As Nottingham Forest prepare to face Tottenham Hotspur, Nuno Espirito has made it clear that only a significantly improved performance will keep their Champions League ambitions alive. “We have to do it by ourselves,” he repeated, reinforcing the idea that the team’s fate rests solely in their own hands.
The trip to North London will be a true test of Nottingham Forest’s resilience, character, and tactical flexibility. Spurs, also battling for a European place, will pose a formidable challenge. For Forest, it’s not just about points — it’s about proving they have the mental toughness to compete at the highest level.
Nuno’ Espirito s message was unmistakable: complacency is not an option. Every duel, every decision, and every moment on the pitch matters now more than ever. The path to Europe remains open — but Nottingham Forest must fight every inch of the way to earn their place.
