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Nottingham Forest 0 Everton 1: Toffees take vital three points on the road again

Yesterday Everton secured another away win as they beat Nottingham Forest one nil at the City Ground to grab three massive points.

By Matt Townsend

Nottingham Forest v Everton FC - Premier League
Nottingham Forest v Everton FC - Premier League / Eddie Keogh/GettyImages
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Dwight McNeil scored his first goal of the season and the Blues defended superbly thoughout to leave the East Midlands with their first points since the Premier League commission's deduction two weeks ago.

This was a huge match for Everton after their chastening 3-0 defeat to Manchester United last weekend. A big performance was certainly necessary yesterday.

The Toffees were the better side and they certainly deserved to take the points back to Merseyside after producing another solid away effort.

Sean Dyche had a few injury concerns going into the game most particularly Dominic Calvert-Lewin who was a major doubt and wasn't able to play.

So, summer signing Beto had to take his place leading the line for the Blues despite opnly just coming back to fitness himself.

The Portuguese striker worked hard and led the line well enough but he couldn't find the net despite having several good chances.

While it is surely not too long before he does open his Premier League account and he is an able substitute, I hope Calvert-Lewin isn't out for a long time.

With his first-choice centre-forward unavailable and Beto firing blanks, other players would likely have to step up in attack. And of course, McNeil did just that with his second half striker proving enough n the end.

Everton still had to fend off a few late attempts from the home team and Jordan Pickford made his customary excellent save or two to ensure the win.

Although McNeil got the goal, once again the real stars of the show were the Blues two centre-backs James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite.

Both were rock solid with Branthwaite continuing once again to underline what a terrific young defensive talent he is. It surely mustn't be long before he is in consideration for a senior England place given the national team's issues in that position.

Overall then an excellent afternoon's work and a vital three points as Everton begin their fightback after all those points were taken off the club.