Fulham vs Nottingham Forest player ratings - Reds secure top-six finish with massive win

Philip Zinckernagel’s first-half goal clinched a huge win for Nottingham Forest as they toppled already-promoted Fulham 1-0 at Craven Cottage.

The Reds guaranteed themselves a top-six finish with the victory. And with second-placed Bournemouth only managing a draw against Swansea City, the gap between the two sides was cut to three points.

A breathless first half saw both sides have a real go and create decent chances. Forest were dangerous on the counter, but also looked to take the game to their opponents. And it was Zinckernagel’s goal which gave them the advantage at the break.

The Reds had looked to get on the front foot from the off. Jack Colback tried his luck early on, while Sam Surridge couldn’t quite get to Brennan Johnson’s ball across the face a few minutes later.

It was a speedy break which eventually paid off on the quarter-hour - with Steve Cooper setting his team on their way. The head coach chucked the ball to Colback to ensure he could take a quick throw-in. The midfielder found Sam Surridge, who played a lovely ball through for Zinckernagel.

The Dane then showed great determination as he capitalised on a mess at the back to force his way past the defender and somehow poke the ball home. With Bournemouth losing 2-0 to Swansea City at the time, it had the potential to be a crucial goal.

Fulham were fighting to clinch the title, though, and they weren’t about to give up lightly. Brice Samba had to make a strong save to thwart Fabio Carvalho, who also fired one shot over and another into the side-netting before the half was out. Mitrovic, meanwhile, curled a free-kick off target.

The visitors did have opportunities to extend their lead. Colback drew Marek Rodak into action again, and Zinckernagel drove a