Elliot Anderson’s late leveller seals Forest safety, and may yet be a parting gift | OneFootball

Elliot Anderson’s 88th-minute equaliser earned Nottingham Forest a 1-1 draw with Newcastle and, after Arsenal beat West Ham 1-0 later, confirmed a fifth straight Premier League season. According to NY Times, Manchester City and Manchester United both have serious interest in the midfielder.

The former Newcastle academy player exchanged passes with James McAtee before steering his finish beyond Nick Pope. It was his fourth Premier League goal this season. Cramp struck as he celebrated, with McAtee then Neco Williams helping to stretch his right leg.

When he finally rose, Anderson pointed to the sky in what appeared to be a tribute to his late mother, Helen. Her funeral had taken place two days earlier.

Manager Vitor Pereira said his staff sensed extra purpose in the warm-up and he believes Anderson wanted to honour his mother, while stressing only the player knows how he feels. He praised a gifted footballer with a strong character who kept going until the last moment.

Forest have navigated the past two matches without Morgan Gibbs-White due to a facial injury, yet an eight-game league unbeaten run has carried them clear. Trips to Manchester United, then Bournemouth at home on the final day, will no longer carry the jeopardy they might have.

City are viewed as favourites for Anderson, who seems increasingly certain to be a key figure for England at the World Cup in the United States this summer. Forest value him at least £100million, a sum that could rise if a bidding war develops and if he shines overseas. His move from Newcastle effectively cost Forest £15million once Odysseas Vlachodimos went the other way with a £20million valuation, a 2024 PSR-driven sale Eddie Howe still regrets.

Source: NY Times