Hackett Exclusive: Everton Defender Fortunate to Avoid Sanction Against Forest
Doucoure’s Stoppage-Time Strike Seals Dramatic Win for Everton Over Nottingham Forest
Since David Moyes’ return to Goodison Park, Everton have developed a habit of drawing games, most recently sharing the spoils in a 1-1 result with Arsenal.
Another draw seemed inevitable at the City Ground on April 12, but Abdoulaye Doucoure had other plans.
The midfielder struck in the third minute of stoppage time, securing a dramatic win over Nottingham Forest.
This victory marks just one defeat in 12 Premier League matches for an Everton side showing real resilience, that lone loss coming at the hands of Liverpool.
The Toffees are proving hard to beat and may have deserved all three points in a match that was otherwise short on key incidents—until Doucoure’s late intervention.
Controversy flared early in the game when Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite collided with Forest’s Jota.
Branthwaite appeared to barge into his opponent using his upper body, sending Jota tumbling. Referee Anthony Taylor saw no reason to issue a card, though VAR reviewed the situation.
Officials at Stockley Park concluded the challenge wasn’t serious enough for a red card, and since yellow cards cannot be recommended by VAR, Branthwaite went unpunished.
Former FIFA referee Keith Hackett, speaking to Goodison News, disagreed with that decision, stating: “This was an offence that was reckless and warranted at least a yellow card minimum.”
Branthwaite did go on to receive a yellow later for a separate challenge.
Despite the early flashpoint, Everton maintained composure and capitalised on their late opportunity.
The win is particularly impressive considering Forest are third in the league, and few expected Everton to take even a point away from the City Ground.
Credit is due to Moyes, who has quickly revitalised the squad and installed a stronger mentality.
The result sees Everton climb to 14th in the table, overtaking Tottenham and drawing level on points with Manchester United.
It’s a remarkable turnaround for a side that was flirting with relegation not long ago.
With continued form like this, a top-half finish is beginning to look like a realistic target rather than a hopeful dream.
