Everton stun Nottingham Forest to dent Champions League hopes

Abdoulaye Doucoure scored a dramatic 94th-minute winner as Everton dealt Nottingham Forest’s Champions League hopes a huge blow with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at the City Ground.

The match looked destined to end goalless until substitute Dwight McNeil threaded a precise pass to Doucoure, who kept his composure to slot home in stoppage time and seal a crucial win for the Blues.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s Forest, who have had a remarkable campaign and climbed as high as third in the Premier League, saw their position threatened as victories for Manchester City and Aston Villa earlier on Saturday pushed them out of the top four, leaving them anxiously looking over their shoulders.

In scorching conditions, the first half offered few chances, with both goalkeepers called into action but rarely tested. James Garner’s low drive and Iliman Ndiaye’s header were comfortably saved by Matz Sels, while Jordan Pickford denied Jota Silva twice — once from a turn and shot, and again with a tame header.

Callum Hudson-Odoi tried to spark something for Forest after the break, cutting inside on a promising counter, but his curled effort was easily gathered by Pickford.

Just when the game seemed to be winding down to a draw, Everton broke forward with purpose and claimed all three points — a result that lifts them to 14th in the table and leaves Forest reeling.