Nottingham Forest were held to a 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace in their final game before the international break, their second consecutive stalemate. The Reds headed into the game knowing that attacker Taiwo Awoniyi would be out for a month. They did, though, get the best of the early chances in the capital.
With 15 minutes gone, Harry Toffolo forced a good stop from Sam Johnstone after catching the ball perfectly from a corner. Soon after, Morgan Gibbs-White went even closer, hitting the crossbar with a first-time shot from a wonderful Murillo ball.
Murillo forced a double save on the stroke of half-time, on the back of a terrific run. But the Reds had needed a crucial block from Toffolo to keep out Jesurun Rak-Sakyi minutes before.
Substitute Gonzalo Montiel had a shot deflected behind on the hour mark, before Jean-Philippe Mateta missed a golden opportunity for the hosts moments later.
Both sides had chances in the closing stages, with Matt Turner thwarting Jordan Ayew and Montiel going close again, but neither team could force a breakthrough.
Sarah Clapson, a Reds reporter, graded the Forest players at Selhurst Park.
Matt Turner: Didn’t have too many saves to make, but will be particularly pleased with the clean-sheet after a difficult time of it last time out. Rating: 6.5/10
Serge Aurier: Seemed to pick up an injury in the first half. Carried on for a bit before coming off at half-time. Forest will hope it is nothing serious, given they already have two full-backs sidelined. Rating: 7/10
Willy Boly: A pretty solid defensive display from the centre-back again. A promising partnership with Murillo and had a headed chance at the other end of the pitch. Rating: 8/10
Murillo: Would have been a goal of the season contender if his first half effort had gone in – it was some run by the Brazilian. Absolutely no doubt he’s a proper talent. Rating: 8.5/10
Harry Toffolo: Deserved to start after last weekend’s cameo appearance. Almost marked it with a terrific early goal, too – he certainly hit it sweetly from range. Rating: 7.5/10
Orel Mangala: Midfield combination worked really well in the first half and certainly has potential. The Belgian worked hard throughout. Looked like he was forced off with a touch of cramp. Rating: 7.5/10
Nicolas Dominguez: A relief for the Reds that he got the green light to start after being forced off last weekend. Tenacious in the middle of the park and showed some nice touches. Rating: 8/10
