Long-distance strikes from Idrissa Gueye and Dwight McNeil earned Everton a massive 2-0 win over Premier League relegation rivals Nottingham Forest.
In a tense encounter, Gueye (29) settled the nerves at Goodison Park with a drilled effort from 30 yards that arrowed into the bottom corner beyond the grasp of Matz Sels before McNeil followed suit with 14 minutes remaining, striking a quality daisy-cutter home from distance.
Forest had three good penalty claims waved away by referee Anthony Taylor, all involving Ashley Young, who survived a challenge on Giovanni Reyna, a handball claim and a challenge from behind on Callum Hudson-Odoi. All three incidents were checked by VAR but the on-field decisions stood.
The game ended on a sour note for Everton after a sickening clash of heads involving Morgan Gibbs-White and Beto which left the Everton forward requiring 10 minutes of treatment. He was carried away on a stretcher but did give the Goodison Park crowd a thumbs-up as he left the field requiring oxygen.
The result moves Everton five points clear of the relegation zone with a game in hand on their rivals, while Forest remain just one point above Luton in 17th.
More to follow…
What’s next?
Everton host local rivals Liverpool to Goodison Park on Wednesday April 24, kick-off 8pm.
Nottingham Forest face title-chasing Manchester City on Sunday April 28, kick-off 4.30pm, live on Sky Sports.
