Nottingham Forest leapfrogged Luton Town out of the Premier League’s relegation zone with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace at the City Ground yesterday.
Nuno Espírito Santo’s team fell behind early on to a fantastic strike from Eagles attacker Jean-Philippe Mateta, but a stunning looping header from Chris Wood secured the crucial point for the Reds.
For long periods of the game, it appeared that Forest would suffer their 17th league defeat of the season, but former Magpies striker Wood came to the Reds’ rescue once more, as he has done so often this season.
The game included a few shocks, with Ola Aina being named to the starting lineup for the first time since December’s 2-1 triumph over Manchester United, with the full-back having a successful return to play.
However, it was another Reds player who returned and made the biggest effect, with the attacker looking dangerous for the whole of the game for Nuno’s side.
Callum Hudson-Odoi’s stats against Crystal Palace
&w=707&quality=100)
Attacker Callum Hudson-Odoi made his first start in three Premier League games, with the former Chelsea man taking his opportunity with both hands.
The 23-year-old featured for the entirety of the game, with the winger a constant outlet for Nuno’s side – driving the Reds up the field, and relieving some of the pressure applied by Oliver Glasner’s side.
Hudson-Odoi’s direct dribbling resulted in two shots, both on target and excellently saved by former Forest loanee Dean Henderson, and he also completed two of his four attempted dribbles past the opponents.
The forward completed 40 of the 49 passes he tried, resulting in an 82% completion rate, with three of the wideman’s deliveries into the final third and creating an attacking opportunity for the Reds.
| Hudson-Odoi’s stats vs Crystal Palace | |
|---|---|
| Statistics | Tally |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Shots | 2 |
| Passes | 40/49 (82%) |
| Passes into final third | 3 |
| Duels won | 4 |
| Fouls won | 2 |
| Successful dribbles | 2/4 (50%) |
| Stats via FotMob | |
The teenager was a complete nuisance throughout the game, with Hudson-Odoi outstanding in and out of possession, winning four duels and two fouls, allowing Morgan Gibbs-White to unleash threatening free kicks.
Following his outstanding performance, Nottinghamshire Live Forest journalist Sarah Clapson gave the attacker a rating of 7.5/10, making him the highest-rated player alongside Gibbs-White and Wood.
Why Callum Hudson-Odoi is now undroppable
Given his performance against Palace yesterday, the “incredible” attacker, as previously characterized by Chelsea great Frank Lampard, has undoubtedly pushed his claim for a regular starting spot under Nuno from now until the end of the season.
His ability to quickly transition from defence to attack is a big advantage for the team, especially considering the counter-attacking playstyle employed since promotion back to the Premier League in 2022.
Gibbs-White and Brazilian defender Murillo are two of the first names on the teamsheet after outstanding performances in Forest’s poor season; the latter could be sold for a record sum. Indeed, it’s been claimed that clubs such as Arsenal and Chelsea are interested in the defender, a sign of how vital and impressive he’s been since arriving in English football.
However, Hudson-Odoi has also demonstrated his quality, with the 23-year-old seeming unstoppable following his most recent spectacular performance in the Garibaldi Red.
The £3 million the club invested for him last summer suddenly appears to be an amazing bargain, with the attacker capable of ensuring the team’s survival on his own.
GET MORE RELATED CONTENT HERE
Leave a Reply