Forest returned to Premier League action on Saturday afternoon as The Reds faced Everton at Goodison Park for the first time since 1999.
Steve Cooper made one change to the starting XI that beat West Ham United last weekend, Steve Cook replacing the injured Moussa Niakhaté in the centre of defence. New signings Morgan Gibbs-White, Emmanuel Dennis, Remo Freuler and Cheikhou Kouyaté were named among the substitutes, along with the returning Ryan Yates.
The hosts started strongly in front of a lively Goodison crowd, Demarai Gray delivered a teasing free-kick into the penalty area which was almost met by Tom Davies, however the midfielder couldn’t quite make contact with the ball at full stretch.
On 10 minutes, Davies came close again as his strike from the edge of the area arrowed just wide before Dean Henderson was called into action to deny both Gray and Anthony Gordon with two smart saves in quick succession.
The Reds weathered the early Merseyside storm and after good work by Orel Mangala, Neco Williams saw a shot saved by Jordan Pickford before Lewis O’Brien fired the rebound over the bar.
Forest were looking dangerous in the attacking third and won possession high up the pitch on several occasions, Brennan Johnson finding Taiwo Awoniyi following good pressure on the Everton backline but the Nigeria international was thwarted by Pickford as he looked to add to his second goal in as many games.
An impressive first half display by Mangala was almost capped with the opening goal 13 minutes before the break, Awoniyi stealing back possession again before finding Mangala but Pickford was equal to the Belgian’s effort.
Half time: Everton 0-0 Nottingham Forest
Venezuela international striker Salomón Rondon had the opening chance of the second period, turning neatly on the edge of the area to work space for a strike before seeing a low effort fall just wide of Henderson’s right-hand post.
Forest were forced into a first substitution on 55 minutes, Mangala picked up a knock and was unable to continue, meaning a Premier League debut for Ryan Yates on his return to the squad after injury.
Morgan Gibbs-White was introduced on the hour-mark for his Forest debut having signed for a club-record fee on Friday morning, replacing Awoniyi as The Reds probed for an opener.
Gray’s deliveries from wide areas for Frank Lampard's men were dangerous throughout the afternoon and it was his delivery to find Mason Holgate that almost gave The Toffees the lead, however Henderson made another impressive stop to deny the defender’s close-range header.
With just over 15 minutes remaining, Henderson made a fine save to deny Gordon fromm the edge of the penalty area, getting both hands to a dangerous effort which was turned behind for a corner.
The introduction of Gibbs-White gave Forest fresh energy and it was our new number 10 who almost inspired the breakthrough, showing great trickery on the left to beat two markers before his cross fell for Williams, but the wing-back drilled the resulting effort just wide moments after Yates saw his effort deflect just wide.
On 81 minutes, The Reds were ahead. Yates saw an effort parried by Pickford only for Johnson to react quickest to meet the loose ball and calmly finish across the England international goalkeeper into the bottom corner as our Academy graduate netted his first top-flight goal.
Cheikhou Kouyate was introduced with 5 minutes remaining for the second Forest debut of the afternoon, replacing Lingard.
However, the hosts found an equaliser on 88 minutes. Pickford’s ball upfield released the run of Gray and the winger remained composed to finish past Henderson and ensure the points were shared on Merseyside.
Full time: Everton 1-1 Nottingham Forest
Everton: Jordan Pickford; Mason Holgate, James Tarkowsi; Conor Coady; Nathan Patterson, Alex Iwobi, Tom Davies (Amadou Onana 57'), Vitalii Mykolenko; Demarai Gray, Salomón Rondon (Dwight McNeil 57’), Anthony Gordon
Substitutes: Asmir Begovic, Rúben Vinagre, Michael Keane, Seamus Coleman, Dele Alli, Allan, Jean-Phillipe Gbamin
Goals: Demarai Gray (88')
Forest: Dean Henderson; Joe Worrall ©, Steve Cook, Scott McKenna; Neco Williams, Orel Mangala (Ryan Yates 55’), Lewis O’Brien, Harry Toffolo; Jesse Lingard (Cheikhou Kouyaté, 84’), Brennan Johnson, Taiwo Awoniyi (Morgan Gibbs-White 62’)
Substitutes: Wayne Hennessey, Giulian Binacone, Remo Freuler, Alex Mighten, Emmanuel Dennis, Sam Surridge
Goals: Brennan Johnson (81')