'Really enjoyed that': Sky pundit raves about Forest player who impressed alongside Chris Wood last night
Today at 12:15 PM
Nottingham Forest edged into the top ten of the Premier League table thanks to their 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Monday night.
The Reds secured their first home victory of the campaign as Chris Wood’s 65th-minute goal proved the difference at the City Ground.
Forest and Palace were fairly evenly matched in terms of possession, efforts and shots on target, although the Reds had three clear-cut opportunities.
Wood, who could’ve had a hat-trick on another night, broke the deadlock when his low speculative drive managed to squirm past Dean Henderson.
Forest also had goalkeeper Matz Sels to thank for a number of great saves, thwarting the likes of Eberechi Eze and Jeffrey Schlupp during the match.
Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith loved what he saw from the Forest stopper when he kept out Schlupp’s effort on 81 minutes.
Alan Smith hails ‘important intervention’ from Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels
Smith told Sky Sports News – as transcribed by BBC Sport – just after the Forest keeper’s save: “It’s a great save from Matz Sels.
“He may not have seen the shot coming from Jeffrey Schlupp with the bodies in front of him.
“The keeper really enjoyed that save and you can understand why. An important intervention from Sels having not had much to do tonight.”
Matz Sels stats v Crystal Palace
As per Callum Castel on X, Sels made seven saves for Forest on the night, including five saves inside the box, and punched one effort away.
He also delivered 10 accurate long balls, posted an overall pass accuracy of 78 percent, made one clearance and seven recoveries, and won all of his aerial duels.
Needless to say, Sels has proven an inspired signing for Forest, and his efforts have been crucial in getting the City Ground side into the top half of the table.
What next for Forest?
Forest are next in Premier League action on Friday night, with a huge East Midlands derby on the cards.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s charges take on Leicester City at the King Power Stadium in an 8pm kick-off.
