Nottingham Forest returned to winning ways with a 2-1 win over Coventry City with goals from Lewis Grabban and a Michael Rose own goal proving decisive.
Maxime Biamou gave the Sky Blues an early lead bur Forest rallied and deserved parity at the break.
After scoring eight minutes into the second half, the Reds did have to withstand some pressure from the home side but they stood firm.
Following a superb away win, we looked at the players’ performances and marked them out of 10 for their efforts.
Brice Samba – 8
Back to his best. His handling was excellent and he commanded his area superbly well. More of the same please Brice.
Cyrus Christie – 6
Poor night again defensively for the ex-Sky Blues man. Didn’t get to grips with his man but did provide the cross for Forest’s winning goal.
Tobias Figueiredo – 7
Did relatively well and looked more like his old self. Was strong in the air and was largely impressive.
Joe Worrall – 9
Superb. Didn’t put a foot wrong and stuck his body on the line for the Forest cause. On this performance, it’s easy to see why Premier League clubs are keen.
Gaetan Bong – 5
Didn’t cover himself in glory and let Julien Dacosta run riot in the second half. On this showing, the decision to let Nicholas Ioannou leave doesn’t look a great one.
Cafu – 6
Steady but isn’t quite as effective when played in a more conventional midfield role. Does typically put in a shift though and he did that here.
James Garner – 8.5
Oozed class from minute one. Gets his head up, looks forward and his passing radar is akin to using a Sat Nav. A very encouraging debut.
Anthony Knockaert – 8
A strong performance from the Frenchman who never stopped running for the cause.
Filip Krovinovic – 8
Another player who should improve Forest no end. Likes the ball to feet and could find space in a telephone box.
Sammy Ameobi – 6
Was hooked at half-time and it’s a wonder whether he was carrying an injury. Didn’t seem his usual self throughout the first-half.
Lewis Grabban – 8
Scored and cleared one off the line. Will some of his critics start to give him a little more credit? Probably not but this was more like the Grabban of old.
Substitutes
Luke Freeman (Ameobi, HT) – 6
Nothing to shout about. Doesn’t really look fit yet and it showed here.
Jack Colback (Cafu, 71) – 6
Came on to protect the back four and did a job in the closing stages.
Glenn Murray (Grabban, 76) – 6
Came on and put himself about. Probably committed more fouls than he had touches of the ball.
Tyler Blackett (Krovinovic, 84) – N/A
Came on in the closing stages and didn’t have a deal to do.