Elliot Anderson’s late leveller against his former club Newcastle United guaranteed Nottingham Forest’s Premier League survival.
The midfielder – who left St James’ Park for the City Ground two years ago – equalised with two minutes remaining to lift Forest seven points clear of the relegation zone.
West Ham United’s defeat against Arsenal later on Sunday confirmed Forest’s Premier League status for next season and meant it was mission accomplished for Vitor Pereira, who replaced Sean Dyche in February.
Harvey Barnes’ strike looked set to keep Newcastle’s slim European hopes alive when the substitute pounced in the second half.
That briefly lifted the Magpies up to ninth but they now sit 13th in a disappointing season following last year’s fifth-place finish and Carabao Cup win.
William Osula went close for the Magpies when his free-kick hit the bar and Matz Sels spilled an earlier shot from Bruno Guimaraes, while Nick Pope’s second-half save from Taiwo Awoniyi thwarted Forest.
Barnes struck with 16 minutes remaining when he ran onto Jacob Ramsey’s pass and held off Morato to score but Anderson levelled when he collected James McAtee’s short pass and gave Pope no chance from close range.
Harvey Barnes showcased his finishing ability to give the visitors the lead but Newcastle were unable to close out victoryNottingham Forest analysis: Anderson sends a reminder to Newcastle
Newcastle did not need any reminder of what they had allowed to leave the club – but Anderson delivered one anyway.
The midfielder cost Forest £35m when he joined two years ago and, despite some debatable recent recruitment at the City Ground, he has been a stunning success.
His late equaliser pushed Forest to safety while damaging the Magpies’ faint European hopes – and that scenario will not be lost on Newcastle sporting director Ross Wilson, who helped bring Anderson to the Midlands club.
Anderson is certain to go to the World Cup with England after becoming a key member of Thomas Tuchel’s squad and Forest will struggle to hold onto him in the summer, with Manchester United and Manchester City reportedly circling.
With no European football next season – those hopes ended with Thursday’s Europa League semi-final defeat against Aston Villa – it is hard to envisage Anderson staying for another season.
He pointed to the sky after his goal in tribute to his mother Helen, for whom Forest laid a wreath on the pitch against Burnley last month after her death.
Forest have provided the perfect platform for the 23-year-old to flourish since he arrived in the Midlands and he has developed into one of the finest midfielders in the league.
