LIVERPOOL-. Everton increased their chances of surviving in the Premier League and left the Nottingham Forest in trouble with a 2-0 victory on Sunday in a duel between teams that have been penalized with point deductions.
With precise shots from Idrissa Gana Gueye in the 29th minute and Dwight McNeil in the 76th minute, Everton achieved a crucial victory. Everton seeks to keep its 70-year streak in the top division intact.
Everton is 16th and five points above the relegation zone with five games remaining. Forest are one place down, but one point above the relegation zone — although that could all change.
Both teams appealed the decision to dock points in recent weeks for violating the league’s financial rules. Everton, who had already received a six-point penalty, lodged an appeal after being docked a further two points. Forest appealed a four-unit deduction.
Forest must have left Goodison Park upset that they were not awarded a penalty, especially after they complained in the 44th minute when Ashley Young’s arm blocked a header into the area.
At that moment, Everton was already ahead on the scoreboard with a goal from Gana Gueye after recovering a header clearance to shoot low from outside the area. McNeil fired a similar shot, although from a greater distance.
In added time Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White and Everton substitute Beto collided with heads. Beto was injured and left on a stretcher — although he raised his hand and gave a thumbs up to tell the fans that he is fine.
Source: AP
