Nottingham Forest picked up a well-earned point in the Monday Night Football at the City Ground.
Steve Cooper’s side took the lead through Emmanuel Dennis but were pegged back by Aston Villa after a stunner from Ashley Young.
Nevertheless, it was a result that lifted Steve Cooper’s side off the foot of the table and ended a five-game losing run for the club.
A 4-0 drubbing at the hands of east Midlands rivals Leicester City last week had been the latest setback but Cooper stuck with four at the back which he opted for at the King Power Stadium.
It was a much more impressive performance on Monday night particularly in defence with Scott McKenna coming in for praise.
Writing for Nottinghamshire Live Sarah Clapson awarded the centre-back a 7/10 for his showing and justified her rating with the following comment:
‘Some excellent defending when the hosts came under the cosh, including a last-ditch clearance in the second half. Contributed to a better all-round performance.’
TIF Thoughts on McKenna and Forest…
Will Forest get relegated?
Yes
No
McKenna has played every minute of the club’s Premier League campaign so far and certainly led by example on Monday night.
The Scotsman made a game-high five clearances according to SofaScore, as well as one block, one interception and one tackle.
He won 100% of his duels and completed 26 of his 30 passes (87%) in a colossal display all around.
His performance typified Forest’s showing on the night. One full of heart and desire to give the home crowd something to get behind with the chance now to move above Wolves at the weekend.