Nottingham Forest endure tough start against Bournemouth after Danilo stretchered off

Antoine Semenyo’s close-range strike in the 85th minute snatched the Cherries a point at the City Ground.

Jonathan Veal
Saturday 17 August 2024 12:49 EDT
Danilo suffered a serious injury (Mike Egerton/PA)
Danilo suffered a serious injury (Mike Egerton/PA) (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Nottingham Forest endured a tough start to their Premier League campaign as they let a lead slip late on to draw against Bournemouth and also saw midfielder Danilo suffer a serious injury.

Chris Wood’s first-half goal had looked like earning Forest a first win in their opening top-tier match of the season since 1996.

But Antoine Semenyo’s close-range strike in the 85th minute snatched the Cherries a point at the City Ground in a 1-1 draw.

But more concerning is the condition of Danilo, who is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a leg injury in just the seventh minute.

Forest’s inability to see the game out will be another headache for boss Nuno Espirito Santo as that was a problem which plagued them for much of last term.

For Bournemouth, life after Dominic Solanke began in positive fashion and they will be hoping record signing Evanilson can add more firepower when he comes into the side.

Danilo’s involvement lasted just seven minutes as he appeared to suffer a severe ankle injury when he landed awkwardly following an aerial challenge with Semenyo.

He received nine minutes of treatment, with club staff using blankets to shield him from the crowd, and left the field on a stretcher with his left leg in a splint.

Forest rallied and took a 23rd-minute lead.

Danilo’s replacement Ryan Yates’ low shot was fumbled by Neto, who will be disappointed with his save, and Wood slotted home the rebound.

Bournemouth thought they had levelled just after the half-hour when Dango Ouattara slammed home a loose ball from close range after an inventive short corner routine.

However, Lewis Cook’s shoulder was ruled offside by VAR and the goal was chalked off.

The visitors continued to threaten and Semenyo whistled an effort just past the far post and Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels produced a big save from Ouattara after a lightning quick counter-attack.

Forest came close to adding a second after the break when Willy Boly’s header from a corner was clawed away by Neto.

The hosts continued to look the most likely to put the game to bed and Yates stung Neto’s palms with a low effort.

Bournemouth had to up the ante and did so as they levelled in the 86th minute.

Forest defender Harry Toffolo’s clearance from Ryan Christie’s cross hit team-mate Murillo in the face and the ball landed perfectly for Semenyo to convert from close range.

The hosts had chances to recover their lead but Morgan Gibbs-White saw a shot blocked and Taiwo Awoniyi headed straight at Neto.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in