Nottingham Forest defeated Coventry City 2-0 to make it four league wins in succession. Brennan Johnson and James Garner both scored to send the Reds up to fifth in the Championship.
The Reds had a tough contest to negotiate against the Sky Blues. Mark Robins came up with a game plan to stifle Forest and for large parts of the game, it worked.
Steve Cooper worked his usual magic though. His team really doesn’t know when they’re beaten at the moment and both Forest goals came at crucial times in the game.
Following last night’s big three points for Forest, we looked at how the players rated and marked them out of 10.
Brice Samba – 8
It used to be a stick to beat him with that Samba didn’t command his area very well. Here he collected a high ball on the edge of his penalty area deep into stoppage time. Looks back to his very best.
Joe Worrall – 7
A little bit sloppy in possession during the first half and his booking did force him into reverting to a more conservative style. Still, this was a steady performance from the centre-back.
Tobias Figueiredo – 10 – STAR MAN
Wow! It’s a real testament to the Portuguese central defender that he’s slotted into the back three with aplomb since Steve Cook got injured. After so long out, it could have been forgiven for him to need a few games to shake off the ring rust. Figueiredo has proved himself as a model professional and this was a stunning display.
Scott McKenna – 8
Another fantastic display from the Scotland performer. None of the back three lost a single aerial duel during the 90 minutes last night and McKenna’s ability to play out from the back is improving with each game.
Djed Spence – 7
Met his match against Fankaty Dabo. He did get behind him at times but the Coventry man pressing him high up the pitch meant that he couldn’t always be at his flying best.
Ryan Yates – 7
Another decent showing from the academy graduate. He was up against a hardworking Coventry midfield which included Gustavo Hamer. Things didn’t always come off for Yates but that wasn’t down to a lack of effort.
James Garner – 9
It might sound bizarre but Manchester United’s best midfielder is currently playing for Forest on loan! Garner was once again excellent and United must be rubbing their hands together at the thought of next season. Took his goal in the second half well.
Jack Colback – 7
Wasn’t quite at his best against Coventry. In fairness to him, he’s not a wing-back but as ever he did give his all. Was perhaps harshly cautioned in the second half.
Brennan Johnson – 7
But for his goal, it was perhaps a below-par performance from what we’ve come to expect from Johnson. The 20-year-old did net his 15th goal of the campaign but was largely quiet otherwise.
Philip Zinckernagel – 7
The Danish attacker’s best moment came when tracking back. Similar to his defensive brilliant away at Sheffield United he produced a wonderful piece of defending in the first half, sprinting back to get involved. Often made the wrong decision in the final third.
Keinan Davis – 8
Referee Tim Robinson was typically very reluctant to give him a free kick but that didn’t stop his strength. He held the ball up tremendously well and was awarded the Man of the Match accolade inside the stadium.
Substitutes
Joe Lolley (Zinckernagel) – 7
Tried his hardest and at times was perhaps guilty of trying too hard. Desperately seeking a goal and it wasn’t through a lack of trying here.