Nottingham Forest claimed an invaluable three points on Saturday afternoon, running out 1-0 victors over an in-form Sheffield United.
The win saw the Reds climb into the play-off places, with Lewis Grabban’s tenth goal of the season enough to see off Chris Wilder’s team.
It was a massive result for boss Aitor Karanka. Especially considering coming under some criticism from some supporters following their midweek cup exit at the hands of Burton Albion.
Seat Pitch was at the City Ground on Saturday and rated the Nottingham Forest side as follows…
Costel Pantilimon 7
The big Romanian stopper has looked a little nervy at times during the current campaign. On Saturday, however, he dealt with a handful of chances with relative ease.
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Tendayi Darikwa 9 – SEAT PITCH STAR MAN
Picked the perfect moment to put in his best performance in a Nottingham Forest shirt. Showcased his qualities at both ends of the field and staked his claim as the best right-back at the football club. Man of the Match.
Michael Dawson 8
‘Daws’ racked up appearance 100 in the red of Forest and capped the milestone game with a typically solid performance. Looks like becoming a mainstay in the Reds’ back four after initially struggling to hold down a regular place in Karanka’s side.
Tobias Figueiredo 7
The Portuguese central defender works incredibly well in tandem with Dawson and on this showing the duo now look to be permanent fixtures in the back four.
Jack Robinson 8
Another robust performance from arguably Forest’s best piece of transfer business in several years. Robinson was signed on a free transfer during the summer and has solved a previously problematic position for the Reds.
Claudio Yacob 8
The ex-West Bromwich Albion man was handed the chance to debut in the absence of the suspended Jack Colback. The Argentinean midfielder was a calming influence in the middle of the park; keeping things ticking over nicely in the engine room.
Adlene Guedioura 6
Not the Algerian’s best performance, it has to be said. The 32-year-old was sorely missed in the middle of the park against Burton in midweek; restored by his boss for this one. A rare off day for Guedioura who was wasteful in possession on several occasions.
Matty Cash 7
When the academy graduate was substituted in the second half he could barely walk off the field; that speaks volumes for his performance. Cash has been on the fringes for large parts of the campaign but showed superb commitment during the second period, never offering the Sheffield United full-back an ounce of respite.
Joao Carvalho 8
The little magician is getting better with each Championship game he plays. It was the former Benfica man who teed up Lewis Grabban to score; with a dazzling piece of skill and a pinpoint delivery. This highlights the importance of Carvalho to the current Forest team.
Joe Lolley 7
Sheffield United did a pretty sterling job of thwarting the threat of the in-form Forest man, ensuring a somewhat frustrating afternoon.
Lolley huffed and puffed in a typically energetic performance but was clearly identified as the one to watch by Blades’ boss Chris Wilder.
Lewis Grabban 8
The Forest striker has now firmly found his feet at the City Ground after initially taking some time to settle into life in the East Midlands.
Grabban made it ten for the campaign with a deft header which left Dean Henderson in the Blades’ goal stranded. The experienced performer really put in a shift once again and led the line with absolute aplomb.
Subs
Gil Dias 6
The winger replaced Matty Cash with seven minutes remaining; not having much time to try and make an impact on the game.
Karim Ansarifard N/A
The Iran international saw his application for a work permit finally granted on Friday evening and the striker came on deep into stoppage time for Lewis Grabban.