Nottingham Forest were confined to defeat after a late equaliser against Coventry City was chalked off by VAR.
Nottingham Forest were beaten 1-0 by Coventry City at the City Ground, as Coventry scored their first Premier League goal since promotion to claim their first points.
It was supposed to be a triumphant send-off for Forest ahead of the prolonged international break. A favourable home game to keep positive momentum rolling. Just a second home Premier League win since December 2025.
But it was anything but that.
James McAtee struck a powerful strike from range in the first minute, which called Carl Rushworth into action for the first time; a sign of Forest’s intent.
But things were not forthcoming for Oliver Glasner’s side, as they had to fight tirelessly just to establish a foothold on proceedings.
Even once Forest were settled, having survived a brief early spell of pressure from the visitors, things were not simple for the Reds.
Chances were not forthcoming, and in the first game where Forest appeared, on paper, to be favourites, breaking down a perceived weaker opposition proved an impossible task.
In a role reversal, it was Forest who started the second half on the front foot, but the Sky Blues began to settle, as an even game once again ensued.
With Forest having to commit so much in attack to try and break down the newly promoted side, they were increasingly vulnerable at the back and, as Coventry sat comfortably in defence, this match-up suited them.
It soon paid dividends when Jay DaSilva was unleashed by an excellent Rushworth ball, where he got the better of Daniel Munoz, who completely switched off, to penetrate the box.
The 10-time Welsh international converted well, giving Coventry City their first Premier League goal in more than two decades, and crucially their first lead of the season.
After the opener, Forest once again assumed the role of the aggressors, but their efforts were met with continued resolute defensive efforts, which made the Reds’ attempts futile.
Their pressure was sustained, however, and Forest thought they had pulled level in the 88th minute when substitute Igor Jesus bundled the ball into the net after a scramble in the box, but VAR thought otherwise.
Image Credit: Action Images via ReutersAfter a review, referee Jarred Gillett disallowed the goal due to a foul in the build-up, where the Brazilian forward was adjudged to face trodden on the foot of Caleb Yirenkyi.
It was just the latest contentious decision to go against Forest, but perhaps the most costly, as it subjected Forest to defeat, as Coventry held out in the dying moments for a huge win at the City Ground.
Forest now have some three weeks to mull over what went wrong, before trying to put things right when they visit Selhurst Park on 11 October to face Crystal Palace.
