Brennan Johnson scored twice for Nottingham Forest to salvage a point against Everton, who missed the chance to move out of the Premier League relegation zone.

In an electrifying contest, Demarai Gray put Everton ahead from the penalty spot following Jonjo Shelvey’s trip on Dwight McNeil.

But Forest were soon level. Toffees keeper Jordan Pickford parried out Morgan Gibbs-White’s shot and Johnson coolly slotted in at the near post.

Abdoulaye Doucoure restored Everton’s lead by nodding in from close range before half-time, but Johnson’s delightful curler into the top corner with 13 minutes remaining earned a point for the hosts.

Everton’s away blues continue

Having seen fellow strugglers Bournemouth, West Ham and Leeds all lose on Saturday, Everton had an opportunity to move up to 16th in the table, but they left a rowdy City Ground frustrated.

And after losing their past three games without scoring, the Toffees did show some progress.

Gray notched his fourth league goal of the season to become his club’s top scorer this season, while Doucoure’s header ensured they avoided going a club-record 14 consecutive games without scoring more than one goal.

And Dwight McNeil came close to adding a third before the interval but his long-range drive was brilliantly tipped over the crossbar by Keylor Navas.

But their inability to win away from Goodison Park is costing them dear. Johnson’s late equaliser means Everton still have just one away victory this season, at Southampton on 1 October.

Home comforts key for Forest survival

Forest have a similarly poor away record, but just three defeats at home is helping keep them above the relegation zone.

And they had top scorer Johnson to thank for extending their unbeaten run at the City Ground to nine without defeat.

His first goal was an opportunistic effort, reacting quickest to slot in at the near post after Pickford was unable to push Gibbs-White’s drive away from the danger area.

His second was sublime. The ball fell to him in the box and he took a touch before caressing a delightful shot into the top corner

The draw means they have collected 20 of their 26 points in front of their own boisterous fans and that form at home could prove crucial in the run-in.

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