Nottingham Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo has acknowledged that his side deserved to lose 1-0 to Everton in Saturday’s Premier League fixture.
The East Midlands outfit went into the game at the City Ground looking to strengthen their hold of third place in the top-flight table.
As the game entered added-on time, Forest were facing the prospect of a frustrating goalless draw that would have been negatively received by the club’s fanbase.
Instead, Abdoulaye Doucoure‘s 93rd-minute goal condemned the home side to a potentially-pivotal loss in the race for Champions League qualification.
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“We have to bounce back”
Although Forest recorded five shots on target, the same as their opponents, it was Everton who dominated much of the game.
Nuno conceded that Forest had failed to produce what has become their usual high standards as they succumbed to a second successive defeat.
Speaking to Match Of The Day, Nuno said: “The performance was not good. Last minute of the game, from an offensive corner we conceded so we are disappointed but in terms of the game, we were not good. Everton were dominant.
“Today we felt the boys were not able to do the things they normally do. It is in our hands [to qualify for the Champions League] and we have to bounce back.”
Reflecting on Murillo‘s mistake that led to Everton’s winner, the Portuguese added: “The decision-making was not the best.
“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.
“We are disappointed. Disappointed with the performance. We were not comfortable and didn’t play good. The game didn’t flow.
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What does defeat leave Forest?
While Forest’s fate remains in their own hands, they are far less secure in third place and are at risk of ending the weekend sitting just three points above seventh position.
If Chelsea and Newcastle United overcome Ipswich Town and Manchester United on Sunday, that is the scenario that will face Nuno’s side with six matches left.
Next up for Forest is a trip to face Tottenham Hotspur on Easter Monday.
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