Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth settled on a 1-1 draw in a pulsating clash at the City Ground on the opening weekend of the Premier League campaign today (August 17). Chris Wood (23′) gave the hosts the lead with an accomplished finish before a Danilo horror injury caused a long stoppage in play. It looked as though the Tricky Trees were heading for three points until Antoine Semenyo (86′) pounced late on to grab a point for the visiting Cherries. Here are the Player Ratings for today’s game:
Nottingham Forest Player Ratings vs Bournemouth
Goalkeeper
Matz Sels – (6) The Belgian goalkeeper rarely had anything to do as Nottingham Forest were much the dominant side. He made three saves but couldn’t prevent Semenyo from equalizing in the dying embers.
Defenders
Neco Williams (6) Was fortunate to still be on the pitch after a reckless tackle in the second half while he sat on a booking. The Welsh full-back was otherwise assured at the back.
Willy Boly (6): The former Wolves man could have gotten on the scoresheet but for Neto’s brilliance in the second half. He fared well but perhaps didn’t do enough to reclaim a starting spot from new signing Nikola Milenkovic once he’s available.
Murillo (7): The Brazilian defender was at his usual best to keep Bournemouth at bay whenever they tried countering, but his positioning played a part in the leveler. He’ll be vital for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side this season, though.
Ola Aina (6) The Nigerian full-back picked up a knock in the second half but fared well otherwise with tidiness on the ball.
Midfielders
Ibrahim Sangare – (6) The Ivorian controlled the midfield in the first half but quietened in the second half, which may have scuppered Nottingham Forest’s grip on their lead. He made five tackles, which shows how he looked to break up play and prevent the Cherries from breaking.
Danilo – (N/A)
Morgan Gibbs-White (6) It was not the most memorable game for the usual standout Forest man, but he did help out going forward. He, along with Murillo, will be key for the Tricky Trees to have a successful season.
Attackers
Anthony Elanga – (7) The speedy Swedish winger was lively and played with attacking intent throughout. He made two key passes and forged a fine partnership with his fellow attackers.
Callum Hudson-Odoi – (8) The English attacker was similarly dangerous on the left flank for Forest, constantly driving forward. He tried his luck with four attempts and made three key passes.
Chris Wood (7) A real threat up top for the hosts, scoring a typical No.9’s opener to kickstart his Premier League season. His dominance in the air was hugely beneficial as he won seven aerial duels.
Substitutes
Elliot Anderson (5) He was fairly anonymous after coming on and will want to make a bigger impact at the next opportunity.
Taiwo Awoniyi (5) didn’t have the same imposing effect as Wood when facing Bournemouth defenders.
Harry Toffolo (5) He failed to clear his lines for the equalizer and wasn’t overly comfortable after replacing Aina.
Nicolas Dominguez (6) He fared okay at times, but his introduction didn’t result in the hosts maintaining control in midfield.
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Bournemouth Player Ratings vs Nottingham Forest
Goalkeeper
Neto -(6) A mixed afternoon for the Brazilian shot-stopper as he looked shaky in the first half and perhaps should have done better on Ryan Yates’ effort that Chris Wood then tucked away on the follow-up. He made seven saves, though, and showed vast improvement as the game wore on.
Defenders
Adam Smith (5) Not a great showing from the English right-back and he was run ragged by a pacey Callum Hudson-Odoi who had much joy down that flank.
Illia Zabarnyi (6) The Ukrainian center-back was strong in the tackle and he looks a good fit alongside the Cherries’ big summer signing.
Dean Huijsen (6), the Dutch U21 international, showed glimpses of promise and explained why Bournemouth paid Roma a significant fee for his services. He looks like one to watch and made some vital clearances at the City Ground.
Milos Kerkez (6) The Hungarian left-back put up a better fight than Smith up against Elanga but wasn’t overly confident. He picked up a booking amid a frustrating afternoon until the latter stages.
Midfielders
Alex Scott (6) The young Englishman tried to make Bournemouth tick, but Forest’s midfield was the more dominant. He was one of the visitors’ better performers and made eight tackles and three interceptions.
Lewis Cook (5) A quiet showing from the more experienced English central midfielder who couldn’t get a foothold in the game.
Marcus Tavernier (6) The attacking midfielder tried breaking forward, but Iraola’s Bournemouth were haphazard up top. He’ll be hoping for a better outing next time.
Attackers
Dango Ouattara (5) The Burkinabè winger failed to influence proceedings and was fairly wasteful, including an effort in the first half.
Luis Sinisterra (5) Another fairly innocuous outing but he was more of a threat than his fellow winger.
Antoine Semenyo (7) He took his goal well and tried to solve the host’s problems despite his side’s fairly subdued collective performance.
Substitutes
Ryan Christie (7) He forced the equalizer with his teasing ball across the face of goal, and that proved vital. He made things happen as soon as coming on.
Justin Kluivert (6) Was lively and offered an outlet that the other attackers had failed to do.
Daniel Jebbison (6) He tried wrestling back control in midfield and performed fairly well.
Julian Araujo (6) A fine debut off the bench for the former Barcelona youngster.
Philip Billing (5) Not enough time to make an impact