EPL: Everton's Doucoure Steals the Show with Match-Winning Goal

Abdoulaye Doucoure scores a dramatic late winner as Everton defeats Nottingham Forest 1-0, ending Forest's unbeaten home run.

Abdoulaye Doucoure scored a dramatic 94th-minute winner as Everton defeated Nottingham Forest 1-0, inflicting back-to-back defeats on the hosts. This crucial victory marked a significant result for the Toffees, who ended Forest's nine-match unbeaten home run in the Premier League.

Nottingham Forest, who had been in good form, returned to the City Ground after a six-game unbeaten run in all competitions came to an end at Villa Park last weekend. However, their homecoming was underwhelming, with neither team asserting control in a lackluster first half. The match was evenly contested, with both sides struggling to gain momentum.

Everton, known for their draw specialists this season, had accumulated a league-high 14 draws prior to the game. However, they broke that trend with a hard-fought win, thanks to Doucoure's late heroics. The victory will give the Toffees a boost in their quest for consistency and points in the Premier League.

Everton dominated possession in the match but struggled to make an impact in the final third, failing to pose a significant threat to Matz Sels' goal. Despite having the ball, they found it challenging to create clear scoring opportunities.

The game gained a greater sense of urgency after the restart, with Everton appearing more likely to benefit. James Tarkowski's ball over the top caught Forest's defense off guard, but Sels quickly smothered the ball at Iliman Ndiaye's feet. Forest briefly showed signs of life in the final half-hour, but Morgan Gibbs-White's snapshot was comfortably held by the goalkeeper.

With Premier League survival almost secured, Everton continued to press without fear. Neco Williams made a crucial block on a Doucoure shot, and Jack Harrison later swiveled to hit the crossbar from 12 yards. These moments highlighted Everton's determination to secure a win.

The match seemed destined for a draw until Everton's dramatic counterattack from a Forest corner changed the outcome. Abdoulaye Doucoure retained his composure to slot the ball into the near post, securing a late winner and stealing all three points. This decisive moment shifted the momentum in Everton's favor.

Everton leave it very, very late!#NFOEVE pic.twitter.com/joBR3OTyfn

— Premier League (@premierleague) April 12, 2025

The defeat increases pressure on Forest, who had been poised to secure a top-five finish and UEFA Champions League qualification. However, their second consecutive winless outing gives their chasing rivals hope. Forest will need to regroup and reassess their strategy to maintain their position.

Everton's victory allows them to leapfrog Tottenham, moving level on points with Manchester United. This win, their first since mid-February, is a significant boost for the Toffees. It showcases their resilience and ability to secure crucial points when it matters most.