Anderson hails Nottingham Forest fight as club edge closer to safety

Anderson hails Nottingham Forest fight as club edge closer to safety

Elliot Anderson has hailed Nottingham Forest’s ‘fighters’ after a 1-1 draw with Newcastle edged the club closer to Premier League safety.

Anderson’s late equaliser earned Forest a valuable point in their survival fight and extended their unbeaten Premier League run to eight games. The midfielder’s late leveller arrived two minutes from time, after Harvey Barnes’ second-half strike had put Newcastle ahead at the City Ground.

The draw moves Forest six points clear of the bottom three and Nuno Espirito Santo’s side will be almost guaranteed safety, due to their vastly superior goal difference, if West Ham lose to Arsenal this afternoon.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Anderson reflected on a massive result, as Forest bounced back from a disappointing exit from Europe in midweek.

“Massive – we knew going into these last few games it’s important to pick up points and finish on a high. It’s a good point considering I don’t think we were at our best today. But when you’re not at your best it’s about not losing points and we’ve picked one good one up.

“Subs brought some energy, tough out there today. It was hot and everyone seemed really tired. A tough first half for both teams I think. But we finished well.”

Anderson’s goal against his old club was a fine moment for the midfielder, who lost his mother last month after illness. Asked if the goal meant a lot, Anderson added: “It did – a few things going on recently so it felt really nice.

“We’ve made a U-turn and done really well. The manager is brilliant and we’re all behind him. Tough game in midweek but we’ll bounce back and now focus on the league.