Nottingham Forest’s ‘incredible’ season continues as club reach first FA Cup semi-final in 34 years

This was the first game back for both sides after an international break and it looked like the extra miles travelled by players recently took their toll.

Brighton’s players travelled a total of 86,208 miles during the break, while Forest’s players combined for a total of 83,054 miles.

In a cagey encounter, players appeared fatigued with both teams untidy in possession and lacking quality in the final third.

“Football needs to address this. I know people will say players get paid a fortune, yes they do,” ex-England striker Gary Lineker said.

“But it’s not just about the players’ welfare, but the paying public will suffer, as you are not going to get players at their best.”

When the starting line-ups were announced before kick-off there were question marks over Nuno’s decision to rest key attackers Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga, especially with top scorer Chris Wood missing through injury.

It almost seemed like the Forest boss had one eye on Tuesday’s Premier League meeting against Manchester United – a chance for Forest to solidify their place in the top four and boost their bid for Champions League football next season.

Hudson-Odoi and Elanga came on just after the hour mark, and although they struggled to make an impact during the game, the former netted Forest’s second spot kick.

“You’ve got to give Nuno some credit,” said former Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney.

“We said before the game we thought he made a mistake resting some players, but when they go through you have got to give them credit.”