Palace secure brilliant comeback win over Forest sparked by Kamada's equalizer

In Gameweek 6 at Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace secured a resilient 3-1 comeback victory over Nottingham Forest. The match started unfavorably for the hosts, as Dan Ndoye found the back of the net just three minutes in, giving the visitors an early lead. However, Palace maintained their composure, gradually taking control of the tempo and launching a fierce offensive late in the first half. In the 41st minute, Daichi Kamada leveled the score following a well-timed pass from Quinten Timber. The momentum fully shifted in stoppage time of the first half when Jefferson Lerma converted an assist from Adam Wharton, sending Palace into the break with a 2-1 advantage. Palace continued their dominance in the second half, with Yéremy Pino extending the lead in the 59th minute. Forest attempted to respond by introducing attacking options like Chris Wood and Callum Hudson-Odoi, but they were repeatedly thwarted by Palace goalkeeper Walter Benítez, who made 4 crucial saves. The hosts comfortably saw out the remainder of the game to claim all three points.

Match Flow

[First Half] Forest took an early lead through Ndoye in the 3rd minute. Despite the setback, Palace gradually restored their possession, orchestrating play through Wharton and Timber in midfield. While Forest looked to exploit the flanks, notably through Neco Williams who delivered 9 crosses over the match, Palace turned the game on its head with two quick-fire goals from Kamada (41') and Lerma (45+4'). [Second Half] Riding the momentum of their comeback, Palace controlled the tempo. Pino's decisive third goal in the 59th minute severely dampened Forest's spirits. Forced to chase the game, Forest increased their attacking efforts but struggled to break down Palace's defensive block, anchored by Mitchell's 4 tackles. Palace comfortably managed the final phases to secure the win.

Key Moments

Ndoye's lightning-fast opener

Just moments into the match, Dan Ndoye broke into the penalty area and finished brilliantly to give Forest an early lead.

41'

Kamada's composed equalizer

Receiving a pass from Quinten Timber, Daichi Kamada clinically converted his only shot on target of the match, bringing Palace back level.

45+4'

Lerma completes the turnaround

Deep into first-half stoppage time, Jefferson Lerma found the back of the net from an Adam Wharton assist, putting Palace ahead before the break.

59'

Pino's decisive third goal

Yéremy Pino scored to double Palace's advantage. Despite picking up a yellow card immediately after, his goal effectively sealed the match.

Tactical Analysis

Crystal Palace

The double pivot of Wharton and Timber acted as the heartbeat of Palace's system. Wharton provided 5 crosses, while Timber registered an assist, with their distribution constantly triggering attacks. Defensively, Mitchell neutralized Forest's right flank by winning 4 tackles. The fluid and aggressive tactical setup was further highlighted by CB Lerma joining the attack to score the go-ahead goal.

Nottingham

Forest heavily relied on wing play, utilizing Neco Williams (9 crosses) and Gibbs-White (6 crosses). However, their deliveries to target men like Delap and substitute Wood were consistently repelled by Palace's center-backs, forcing difficult or long-range shots. Defensively, they struggled with marking handovers when Palace players infiltrated the half-spaces, ultimately conceding three goals.

Tactical Matchup

The match was defined by Palace's midfield dominance versus Forest's wide attacks. While Forest delivered numerous crosses, Palace dealt with them through Benítez's reliable goalkeeping (80% save rate) and robust individual defending. Conversely, Palace effectively combined central build-up with half-space exploitation by Kamada and Pino, clinically punishing the gaps in Forest's defensive structure.

Notable Performers

8.0

Adam WhartonCrystal Palace

Controlled the game from deep midfield. Provided an assist and a team-high 5 crosses, proving indispensable in both attack and defense.

7.8

Tyrick MitchellCrystal Palace

A standout in defense, recording a team-high 4 successful tackles and 1 interception to shut down Forest's potent wide attacks.

7.3

Dan NdoyeNottingham

Scored the early opener and remained a constant threat until his substitution, registering a team-high 4 shots with 2 on target.

6.8

Neco WilliamsNottingham

Highly attacking on the right flank, delivering 9 crosses and taking 3 shots, though his efforts ultimately did not yield a result.

⭐

Man of the Match

8.2

Daichi KamadaCrystal Palace

Scored the crucial equalizing goal in the 41st minute, shifting the momentum in Palace's favor when they were trailing. Playing 89 minutes, he acted as an essential link in the attack and showcased clinical finishing by converting his only shot on target.

Issues & Outlook

Crystal Palace

The comeback victory will instill massive confidence in the squad. The midfield partnership of Wharton and Timber is proving to be highly effective. Looking ahead, they need to address their tendency to concede early and ensure high concentration levels from the first whistle.

Nottingham

Despite a dream start with an early goal, Forest lacked the defensive solidity to protect their lead. While their wide attacks generated numerous crosses (including 9 from Williams), improving clinical finishing inside the box is urgent. Maintaining defensive concentration for the full 90 minutes will be key in their next fixture.

Player Stats

Crystal Palace

⇅#?	Player	Pos	⇅Min?	⇅G?	⇅A?	⇅Sh?	⇅SoT?	⇅🟨?	⇅🟥?
3	Tyrick Mitchell	DM	90	0	0	1	1	–	–
6	Jaydee Canvot	CB	90	0	0	–	–	–	–
7	Ismaila Sarr	FW,MF	8	0	0	–	–	–	–
8	Jefferson Lerma	CB	71	1	0	3	2		–
9	Eddie Nketiah	FW	8	0	0	–	–	–	–
10	Yéremy Pino	AM	82	1	0	1	1		–
11	Dwight McNeil	MF	1	0	0	–	–	–	–
18	Daichi Kamada	AM	89	1	0	1	1	–	–
20	Adam Wharton	DM	90	0	1	–	–	–	–
21	Honest Ahanor	DF	19	0	0	–	–	–	–
22	Jørgen Strand Larsen	FW	82	0	0	3	2	–	–
23	Quinten Timber	DM	90	0	1	1	–	–	–
25	Anan Khalaili	DM	90	0	0	2	–	–	–
26	Chris Richards	CB	90	0	0	1	–	–	–
44	Walter Benítez	GK	90	0	0	–	–	–	–

Nottingham

⇅#?	Player	Pos	⇅Min?	⇅G?	⇅Sh?	⇅SoT?	⇅🟨?	⇅🟥?
2	Ousmane Diomande	CB	90	0	1	–	–	–
3	Neco Williams	DM	90	0	3	–	–	–
5	Murillo	CB	90	0	4	2		–
6	Ibrahim Sangaré	MF	25	0	–	–	–	–
7	Callum Hudson-Odoi	FW,MF	19	0	–	–	–	–
9	Chris Wood	FW	19	0	1	1	–	–
10	Morgan Gibbs-White	AM	90	0	2	–	–	–
14	Dan Ndoye	AM	71	1	4	2	–	–
15	Arnaud Kalimuendo	FW	8	0	–	–	–	–
19	Liam Delap	FW	71	0	2	1	–	–
21	Xaver Schlager	DM	65	0	3	–	–	–
24	James Mcatee	DM	90	0	1	–	–	–
26	Matz Sels	GK	90	0	–	–	–	–
27	Daniel Muñoz	DM	90	0	2	–	–	–
34	Ola Aina	CB	82	0	1	–		–

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