Nottingham Forest and Fulham played out a tense goalless draw at the City Ground, a result defined by tight defenses and a disallowed goal.
The Premier League clash on March 15, 2026, offered few clear-cut chances for either side. Both teams settled for a single point after a hard-fought, physical encounter in front of a passionate home crowd.
Entering the match, Nottingham Forest sat 17th in the Premier League table. They desperately needed points to create distance from the relegation zone. Fulham, in 12th position, aimed to consolidate their mid-table security.
The opening period at the City Ground saw more commitment than attacking creativity. Challenges flew in from both sides, setting a physical tone early on. Neco Williams of Forest received the game's first yellow card in the 18th minute for a clear tripping foul.
The referee continued to be busy, issuing cautions as the half progressed. Fulham's Sander Berge was booked for a similar tripping offense in the 32nd minute. Elliot Anderson of Forest then earned another yellow card just before the break, in the 45+2 minute, ensuring a stop-start first half.
Neither side had truly tested the opposing goalkeeper with significant efforts. The deadlock at halftime suggested a need for attacking impetus from both managers. Fans and coaches alike expected changes to break the midfield stalemate.
Forest manager introduced Nicolás Domínguez and Omari Hutchinson at the start of the second half. They looked to inject fresh energy and creativity into their offensive play. Fulham also prepared for strategic changes to alter the game's flow.
The biggest talking point arrived in the 63rd minute. Forest thought they had finally broken the deadlock through substitute Dodi Ndoye. However, the goal was quickly disallowed for offside after a thorough VAR review, visibly deflating the home crowd.
Following the VAR decision, both teams made further substitutions. Fulham introduced Raúl Jiménez and Oscar Bobb, hoping for a late winner. Forest countered with Igor Jesus and Ryan Yates, seeking to regain momentum.
As the match wore on, the physical nature continued. Antonee Robinson picked up a yellow for Fulham in the 61st minute, followed by Joachim Andersen in the 75th minute for holding. Despite the tactical shifts, neither team found the decisive touch.
The final statistics highlighted the struggle for clear opportunities. Nottingham Forest registered 11 total shots (two on target) with an xG of 0.71. Fulham managed just five total shots (one on target), holding an xG of 0.67. Bernd Leno made two crucial saves for Fulham.
This hard-earned 0-0 draw provides Nottingham Forest a valuable point in their intense fight for Premier League survival. Fulham also added to their tally, maintaining their position in the middle of the table. Both teams will aim for a more potent attacking display in their upcoming fixtures.
