Nottingham Forest ended the year 2025 on a disappointing note with their second defeat to Everton in December, adding to their ongoing struggles in a serious slump. The team had shown promise with a victory over Tottenham earlier in the month, appearing poised to distance themselves from the relegation zone. However, a string of losses to Fulham, Manchester City, and now Everton has left Forest facing an uphill battle, with manager Sean Dyche under fire from frustrated fans for his tactical decisions during these challenging times.
The match against Everton saw Thierno Barry score his second goal of the season, having also netted against Forest previously. The second goal for Everton, courtesy of Barry, came as a result of Oleksandr Zinchenko’s lapse in concentration, allowing his opponent to make a crucial breakthrough. Pundits were quick to criticize Zinchenko’s defensive lapse, with broadcaster Hodge highlighting the cheap goal conceded by Forest when they needed to push for an equalizer.
While Zinchenko’s loan signing raised eyebrows, questions were raised about the necessity of his addition to the squad, given his inconsistent performances and lackluster impact. Despite an average display against Everton, scrutiny from supporters indicated a general dissatisfaction with Zinchenko’s contributions. Looking ahead, there are hopes that Zinchenko will return to Arsenal, his parent club, allowing Forest to explore more suitable options for a competent left-back in the future to strengthen their defensive line.
With the spotlight on Forest’s defensive vulnerabilities and the need for reinforcements, the team faces a crucial period ahead as they strive to navigate their way out of the bottom echelons of the table and secure better results in the upcoming fixtures.
