Nottingham Forest 0-2 Everton: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Ladbrokes’ post-match review of Nottingham Forest 0-2 Everton in the Premier League on Tuesday, 30 December 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Everton secured a 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. The visitors took the lead in the 19th minute when James Garner scored, assisted by Dwight McNeil, capitalising on a solid start despite Forest’s possession dominance. Nottingham Forest pushed forward but couldn’t break through, with a halftime substitution seeing Douglas Luiz replace Nicolás Domínguez in the 46th minute, though Douglas Luiz picked up a yellow card in the 61st minute for a foul. This loss extends Forest’s poor run, having suffered defeats in their last three league games including back-to-back losses to Everton this season.

Everton doubled their advantage in the 79th minute through Thierno Barry, assisted by James Garner, sealing the points on the counter. Forest made further changes with Taiwo Awoniyi coming on for Igor Jesus in the 62nd minute and Dilane Bakwa replacing Callum Hudson-Odoi in the 75th minute, but they failed to create clear chances. Everton managed the game well with substitutions like Jack Grealish for Nathan Patterson in the 72nd minute and Beto for Thierno Barry in the 85th minute, building on their recent form that includes a win and a draw in their last three outings.

Nottingham Forest controlled 70% of possession and racked up nine corners compared to Everton’s two, suggesting they dominated territory but lacked the cutting edge to convert pressure into goals. Their 64 successful dribbles outnumbered Everton’s 47, pointing to individual flair in attack, yet zero assists and just one yellow card—for Douglas Luiz—highlighted a disciplined but ineffective display, with three substitutions including Douglas Luiz on for Nicolás Domínguez at 46 minutes, Taiwo Awoniyi for Igor Jesus at 62 minutes, and Dilane Bakwa for Callum Hudson-Odoi at 75 minutes failing to turn the tide. Everton, with only 30% possession, were clinical on the break, recording two assists and no cards, while their two substitutions—Jack Grealish for Nathan Patterson at 72 minutes and Beto for Thierno Barry at 85 minutes—helped maintain control without needing penalties or injury-time goals.

The game’s first decisive moment came in the 19th minute when James Garner opened the scoring for Everton, assisted by Dwight McNeil, giving the visitors an early edge. Nottingham Forest responded with a halftime change as Douglas Luiz replaced Nicolás Domínguez in the 46th minute, but Douglas Luiz’s yellow card in the 61st minute for a foul disrupted their rhythm, followed by Taiwo Awoniyi coming on for Igor Jesus a minute later. Everton sealed the win in the 79th minute with Thierno Barry’s goal, assisted by James Garner, before Jack Grealish substituted for Nathan Patterson in the 72nd minute and Beto replaced Thierno Barry in the 85th minute to see out the result.

Nottingham Forest lined up in a 4-2-3-1 shape, with partnerships in midfield tested by the early substitution of Douglas Luiz for Nicolás Domínguez at halftime. Douglas Luiz’s involvement was cut short by a yellow card, while attacking changes saw Taiwo Awoniyi replace Igor Jesus and Dilane Bakwa come on for Callum Hudson-Odoi, aiming to boost the forward line.

Everton deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation, relying on midfield creativity from James Garner, who scored and assisted, alongside Dwight McNeil’s key pass for the opener. Substitutions strengthened their setup, with Jack Grealish replacing Nathan Patterson and Beto coming on for goalscorer Thierno Barry late in the game.

James Garner earned Ladbrokes’ Man of the Match award for his standout performance, netting one goal in the 19th minute and providing an assist for Thierno Barry’s strike in the 79th minute. He also created two big chances and delivered three key passes, driving Everton’s efficient attack despite limited possession.

Recent Premier League matches:

• Loss: 0-2 vs Everton (H)
• Loss: 1-2 vs Manchester City (H)
• Loss: 0-1 vs Fulham (A)
• Win: 3-0 vs Tottenham Hotspur (H)
• Loss: 0-3 vs Everton (A)

Recent Premier League matches:

• Win: 2-0 vs Nottingham Forest (A)
• Draw: 0-0 vs Burnley (A)
• Loss: 0-1 vs Arsenal (H)
• Loss: 0-2 vs Chelsea (A)
• Win: 3-0 vs Nottingham Forest (H)

Nottingham Forest have just suffered a 0-2 defeat to Everton, leaving them in 17th place on 18 points and deepening their struggles after losses in their last three league matches. They face a tough test next against Aston Villa on 2026-01-03 at 12:30, with the opposition sitting third on 39 points, making this a crucial fixture to halt their slide and pull further from the relegation zone.

Everton have just claimed a 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest, boosting them to eighth place on 28 points following a run that includes two wins in their last five league games. Their next challenge is against Brentford on 2026-01-04 at 15:00, with the opponents in 10th on 26 points, offering a chance to solidify their mid-table position and push for European spots.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.