31-year-old striker left isolated: The talking points as Forest held by Middlesbrough

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Nottingham Forest were unable to get back to winning ways as they were held to a 1-1 draw by struggling Middlesbrough in the Championship.

The Reds endured a frustrating evening at the City Ground in which they dropped more points having got themselves in a winning position.

Sabri Lamouchi’s team got themselves ahead on the hour-mark as Ryan Yates headed home Matty Cash’s pinpoint cross. That looked like it might’ve been enough to secure the three points.

Unfortunately, Boro got themselves back into the game from the penalty spot through Paddy McNair after Jack Robinson had fouled Marvin Johnson in the area.

The game was certainly a disappointment from a Forest perspective. However, the Reds remain fifth in the Sky Bet Championship, but are now 11 points off the automatic promotion places.

Following the draw, Nottingham Forest News looked at five talking points from the contest.

Throwing points away

Before Millwall, the Reds had only dropped points from winning positions on one occasion this season. That came on the opening day of the season against West Bromwich Albion.

It seemed that Lamouchi’s men had the ability to see games out more comfortably.

However, the Reds have now dropped four points from winning positions in the last two games. Both against Millwall and Boro, the Reds had a great chance of securing three points but conceded late on.

This is something that they’ll have to address moving forward.

Lolley still struggling on the right-hand side

Is it time to move Joe Lolley back to the left-hand side? He just doesn’t seem to be making the desired impact on the right.

Defenders know that the 27-year-old winger is always going to look to cut-in on his left, and that makes him predictable and easy to defend against.

His best form last season under Aitor Karanka came when he was flying down the left-hand side of the pitch.

Home form a concern

There’s no doubt that Forest’s form at the City Ground is becoming a concern.

They’ve only one four games at home all season, with three of those wins being by a single goal. They have drawn twice, and already lost three games on home soil this season.

Only eight sides in the Championship have a worse home record than the Reds. Only Boro and Wigan Athletic have scored fewer goals at home than Lamouchi’s men.

Need injured players to return

It’s fair to say that the Reds could do with a boost having now failed to win their last three games.

Both Samba Sow and Yuri Ribeiro are said to be close to a return. Having both of them back in the starting line-up could make everything look very different.

Sow has been badly missed since he picked up an injury at the end of September.

Grabban needs service

Lewis Grabban has shown that he remains one of the most prolific strikers in the division this season, but he needs service.

The Reds will be looking for back-up for Grabban in January, but they could also do with another winger.

Lamouchi’s men struggled to create any chances for their 10-goal man against Boro, and that will be a concern.