CHRISTIAN WALTON

Made a vital early stop to deny Forest, and got a crucial touch on another shot before Davis cleared off the line. Made some important saves after the break. Nothing he could have done about the goal he conceded. Distribution was a bit of an issue in the wind. 7

ABDOUL OUATTARA

Caught high a bit too often, usually inverting into midfield. Didn’t have as many opportunities to impact going forward, and Forest’s width proved a problem. Covered quite a lot of ground. 6

Issa Diop was fortunate to avoid a red card in the second half (Image: PA)

ISSA DIOP

Fortunate to stay on the pitch after a second-half VAR check for DOGSO, having mis-timed his tackle. Aside from that, seemed to enjoy the physical side of the game, but got dragged out of position at times. 6

DARA O’SHEA

Got into a real scrap with ex-Blue Liam Delap, which saw the shirt torn from his back before the break. Like Diop, dragged out of position for Forest’s goal, but his ball from the back led to Town’s equaliser. 7

LEIF DAVIS

Made a vital clearance in each half. Tested defensively and showed good reactions, although found the battle tough against Forest’s right, who created plenty in the first half. Involved more going forward after the break. 7

FLORENTINO

Still doesn’t look quite at his best. Decision-making and mobility proved an issue at times against an aggressive Forest midfield. Doesn’t seem as comfortable operating in deeper areas as Ipswich need him to be. 5

EXEQUIEL PALACIOS

A class apart with what he offers on the pitch, and he was the best player on it today, in my eyes. Dictates play in an intelligent way, calm under pressure, then matches it with his physical output. Most touches (99) and ground covered (7.7 miles) of anyone to feature. 8 (Man of Match)

ABDUL FATAWU

The quietest of the attacking quartet. Ipswich struggled to get him into the game apart from a couple of flashes. Fired over an early shot, but didn’t have a huge impact beyond that. 6

Julio Enciso scored his first goal of the 2026/27 campaign (Image: PA)

JULIO ENCISO

Clear improvement on recent performances. Looked motivated, got stuck in, and seemed really hungry. Intense pressing saw him force a mistake and score his first goal of the season. Decision-making was improved. More to come, hopefully. 7

JADEN PHILOGENE

Frustrating. Just didn’t do the right stuff at times, occasionally trying to be too flashy. Had a good chance to score when Town were 1-0 down. Wasn’t as involved after the break. 5

EMERSONN

Battled hard and got into good positions. Had his hands full with Forest’s three towering centre-backs, but that opened up some gaps for his team-mates. 6

Substitute: ZIAN FLEMMING (60’)

Game became much scrappier towards the latter stages and he brought the fight, getting stuck in. Town struggled to get the ball to him. 6

Substitute: JACK CLARKE (61’)

Largely quiet but looked more comfortable than Philogene. Had a great chance to win it late on. 6

Substitute: DAIZEN MAEDA (73’)

Ran his socks off, added defensive solidity but had little to work with in an attacking sense. 6

Substitute: AZOR MATUSIWA

Great to see him back. Once again, doesn’t look at all off the pace. 6

Substitute: CHUBA AKPOM (86’)

Standard late cameo from him. Got himself about, added physicality at the end. Very useful player to have. 6