Forest’s Set-Piece Struggles Continue as United Salvage Dramatic Draw
In a gripping Premier League tussle at the City Ground, Nottingham Forest and Manchester United shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw that left both managers with mixed emotions. Sean Dyche, still in search of his first league win as Forest boss, watched his side once again succumb to set-piece frailties. Meanwhile, Manchester United’s Ruben Amorim was denied an anniversary victory despite his side’s dominant spells and a late moment of magic from Amad Diallo.
United controlled much of the first half, taking the lead through a Casemiro header after a controversial corner kick—awarded when officials ruled Nicolò Savona failed to keep a Bruno Fernandes pass in play. Fernandes’ inswinging delivery exposed Forest’s all-too-familiar vulnerability, with Casemiro rising unmarked to nod past Matz Sels. This marked Forest’s ninth goal conceded from set pieces this season—joint-highest in the league—and highlighted an issue Dyche was expected to resolve.
The tide turned dramatically early in the second half. In a stunning 102-second burst, Forest flipped the game on its head. First, Morgan Gibbs-White found space at the back post to head home after a smart build-up involving Elliot Anderson and Dan Ndoye. Moments later, Nicolò Savona capitalized on a loose ball following Igor Jesus’s aerial challenge, poking past Senne Lammens to send the home fans into delirium.
United looked shell-shocked, struggling to regain control as Forest pressed for more. But in the end, a spectacular volley from Amad Diallo salvaged a point for the visitors, sealing a dramatic end to a pulsating encounter.
Forest’s Callum Hudson-Odoi shone both in attack and defense, while United’s full-backs struggled under constant pressure. Although both sides had chances to snatch victory late on, the draw felt a fitting result in a game full of momentum swings and tactical intrigue.
As the final whistle blew, both managers walked off with reasons to reflect—Amorim on what might have been, and Dyche on what still needs fixing.
Key Takeaways:
- Forest have conceded nine set-piece goals this season—the highest in the Premier League.
- Amad Diallo’s stunning volley secured a point for United.
- Casemiro’s early goal came from a contentious corner decision.
- Dyche still awaits his first league victory as Forest boss.
- Callum Hudson-Odoi delivered an outstanding two-way performance for Forest.
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