Sean Dyche delivers ‘damp squib’ verdict as Nottingham Forest challenge set after Everton defeat

Nottingham Forest stumble again as Everton claim 2–0 win at the City Ground

Nottingham Forest’s struggles continued as they slipped to a 2–0 home defeat against Everton, leaving head coach Sean Dyche urging his side to “change the storyline” after a third straight loss in the Premier League.

Goals from former Forest loanee James Garner and substitute Thierno Barry sealed the victory for the visitors, who were clinical despite spending long spells under pressure. Forest, meanwhile, dominated possession and flooded the box with crosses but failed to truly trouble Everton’s defence.

The result leaves Forest hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone as 2025 draws to a close, with Dyche admitting his side must find consistency quickly.

“I don’t need a reminder of the challenge we’re facing,” Dyche said. “Three games ago people were saying we were brilliant — that’s how quickly the narrative changes. We’ve got to change it back the other way.

“It’s about handling expectation. We’ve risen to big games, but when the pressure shifts and we’re expected to deliver, we’ve not always done that. Finding consistency in everything we do is the next step.”

Forest came into the match off the back of an encouraging display against Manchester City, despite losing 2–1, and were hoping to build momentum at the City Ground. Instead, they produced a flat performance against Everton, who punished their wastefulness.

“It’s disappointing,” Dyche admitted. “We had similar issues at Fulham — we controlled large parts of the game statistically, but stats don’t win matches.

“Everton didn’t have much of the ball, but they defended well and took their chances. From our point of view, the goals we conceded were poor.

“We had plenty of possession, plenty of entries into good areas, but not enough of a cutting edge. You have to turn dominance into goals, and we didn’t do that.”

Despite sustained pressure and numerous deliveries into the box, Forest lacked a decisive moment in front of goal — a problem Dyche believes remains the biggest obstacle to progress.

“It’s about finding that balance,” he added. “We’re still working on it, but you can’t win games without being ruthless when it matters.”