While the football world was abuzz with the latest transfer news, a crucial Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves) flew under the radar. Despite the lack of fanfare, the match proved to be an enthralling encounter that ended in a hard-fought 1-1 draw.
The stalemate was largely thanks to the heroics of Wolves’ goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, who made a string of impressive saves to deny Forest the win. Johnstone, who joined Wolves for £10 million in the summer, proved his worth with crucial stops from Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood.
Forest had taken the lead through Wood’s header in the 10th minute, but Wolves equalized just three minutes later through a stunning strike from Jean-Ricner Bellegarde. The visitors could have taken the lead again, but Johnstone was equal to the task, making a superb save to deny Gibbs-White.
Despite the draw, Forest will be relieved to have avoided defeat after their 6-2 thrashing at the hands of Chelsea in their previous match. Wolves, on the other hand, will be buoyed by their first point of the season, which came after a run of 12 league games without a win.
Wolves and Nottingham Forest were forced to share the points in the clash at the City Ground
The result marks the first point for Gary O’Neil’s side in the new Premier League campaign
Wolves’ summer signing Sam Johnstone made a pair of vital saves to keep his side in the game
The match was an end-to-end affair, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. Forest thought they had won it when Wood turned home Murillo’s mishit effort, but the forward’s celebrations were cut short by the offside flag.
Wolves coach Gary O’Neil was left frustrated on the touchline, but he will be relieved to have secured a point. Forest coach Nuno Espirito Santo, meanwhile, will be disappointed not to have taken all three points.