Midfielder’s first PL goal on home debut cancels out Norgaard’s opener after Niakhate was sent off
Nicolas Dominguez’s first Premier League goal helped 10-man Nottingham Forest come from behind to earn a 1-1 draw with Brentford, extending their unbeaten home start to the season.
Forest began brightly and had a goal disallowed on eight minutes, with Taiwo Awoniyi flagged for offside after tapping the ball in.
Anthony Elanga, back in the Forest starting XI, shot wide for the home side while Vitaly Janelt stung the palms of Matt Turner on the stroke of half-time following a cleverly worked free-kick.
Brentford almost took the lead on 52 minutes. Turner was closed down by Yoane Wissa, who intercepted the goalkeeper’s clearance. With the ball heading towards goal, Willy Boly got back to clear off the line.
Moments later, Forest were reduced to 10 men, when defender Moussa Niakhate was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Wissa.
That was the 17th red card shown in the Premier League this season. At the same stage of 2022/23, after 68 matches, only five players had been sent off.
It got worse for the hosts from the resulting free-kick on 58 minutes, with Brentford captain Christian Norgaard rising highest to head in powerfully from Mathias Jensen‘s delivery.
Forest pressed for an equaliser and were rewarded for their endeavour in the 65th minute.
A brilliant cross from substitute Harry Toffolo was met by Dominguez, who, on his home debut, sent a looping header over Mark Flekken.
The result moves Forest, who are yet to taste defeat in three matches at the City Ground this season, up to 11th on eight points.
Brentford, who have dropped eight points from winning positions this season, the joint-most of any team along with AFC Bournemouth, are a point further back and remain 13th.
Fulham and Chelsea meet on Monday evening in a west London derby at Craven Cottage.
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