Super Eagles defender Ola Aina was in action as Nottingham Forest were held to a 1-1 draw by Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday night, denting their hopes of securing a top-five finish in the Premier League. Meanwhile, compatriot Taiwo Awoniyi remained on the bench throughout the game.
The hosts took the lead on the hour mark through Eberechi Eze, who converted from the penalty spot. Forest responded swiftly, equalising just four minutes later via Brazilian defender Murillo. Despite the fightback, the result means Forest are now winless in three consecutive league matches two losses and one draw and sit sixth with 61 points, two behind the top five.
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, remain mid-table in 12th with 46 points.
Editorial
Nottingham Forest’s draw against Crystal Palace is more than just a missed opportunity it’s a moment of reflection in a season that promised more. Ola Aina, as always, brought energy and defensive solidity, but Forest’s inability to secure victories in crucial fixtures continues to haunt their European ambitions.
This was a game they needed to win. Being two points adrift of the top five may not seem drastic, but with the season winding down, every point counts. Forest’s recent form three matches without a win is a warning sign that momentum may be slipping away at the worst possible time.
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For a club trying to re-establish itself among England’s elite, this stretch of the season requires ruthlessness, not resignation. The time for excuses is over it’s now or never if Forest want to make a return to continental football.
Did You Know?
- Ola Aina has now made over 100 career appearances across four of Europe’s top five leagues: Premier League, Serie A, Ligue 1, and the Championship.
- Murillo’s goal was his first for Nottingham Forest since joining from Corinthians in the 2023/24 season.
- Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze has now scored in back-to-back games against Forest, becoming a consistent thorn in their side.
- Taiwo Awoniyi remains Forest’s joint-top scorer this season despite limited minutes in the second half of the campaign due to injury.
- Nottingham Forest have not qualified for a European competition since the 1995/96 UEFA Cup a nearly three-decade drought.
