Everton edged Nottingham Forest 1-0 with Abdoulaye Doucoure scoring a dramatic 94th-minute winner at the City Ground on Saturday.
The match was heading towards a goalless draw to give Forest a two-lead over Manchester City, but the goal cut the deficit between Nottingham Forest at third and fourth placed City to one point
Substitute Dwight McNeil laid a pass through to Doucoure to coolly slot home a late winner, as Forest were unable to find a breakthrough.
James Garner’s low shot and Iliman Ndiaye’s header were kept out by home keeper Matz Sels while at the other end, Jota Silva’s strike on the turn and tame nodded effort were straight at Jordan Pickford.
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Callum Hudson-Odoi looked to create some magic on the break in the second half but could not get enough curl onto a shot after cutting inside, as his attempt smothered by Pickford.
With time running out, Everton snatched a stunning win on the counter-attack to climb up to 14th and leave Forest shell shocked.
Everton repelled everything that came their way from their opponents before hitting them with a sucker punch to claim all three points.
Their top-flight status now looks to be virtually assured by moving 18 points clear of danger.
The Toffees backline defended resolutely and their stubbornness paid off with only their fourth win in 68 away games against a side in the top three.
Doucoure’s calm finish sparked wild scenes from the away supporters, who stayed singing and dancing inside the stadium long after the final whistle had blown.
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Manager David Moyes has picked up an average of 1.6 points per game – compared to 0.9 by former boss Sean Dyche – since taking charge in January and can now turn his attention towards next season and Everton’s move to the new stadium on Bramley-Moore Dock.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have delivered a remarkable campaign by climbing to third in the Premier League, however, the team appear running out of steam
Forest’s season has been nothing short of remarkable, disrupting the establishment and reaching the last four of the FA Cup, where they face Pep Guardiola’s City.
But this was a massive setback as they are now only four points ahead of fifth-placed Chelsea, who face lowly Ipswich on Sunday.
