Nottingham Forest's attacking dominance was in vain as Everton secured a 2-0 victory at the City Ground. Steve Cooper's side generated a whopping 21 total shots, including 12 from inside the box, but were unable to find the back of the net, despite controlling 70% of possession.

The visitors struck first in the 19th minute when James Garner's goal, assisted by Demarai Gray, put Everton ahead against the run of play. Forest's 9 corner kicks to Everton's 2 underscored their territorial advantage, but a lack of clinical finishing ultimately doomed them.

Everton's well-organized defense, led by center-back Jarrad Branthwaite, allowed just 1 shot on target for the home side. The away team's 74% pass accuracy and 6 saves from goalkeeper Jordan Pickford were key to weathering the Forest storm. Tactically, Everton's compact low block and effective counterattacking negated Forest's attempts to break them down.

The match was decided in the 79th minute when Everton substitute Tom Barry scored a late insurance goal, assisted by Garner. This was a tactical failure for Cooper, as his team's inability to capitalize on their territorial dominance and create high-quality chances ultimately cost them dearly.