Demarai Gray became the first Everton player to score this season as Frank Lampard’s side rescued their first point with a late rally at Goodison.
Everton, whose only previous goal was an own goal by Aston Villa’s Lucas Digne, had that sinking feeling again when Brennan Johnson put Nottingham Forest ahead after 80 minutes.
But England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who might have done better, redeemed himself with a wonderful 70-yard assist to Gray who tucked confidently past Dean Henderson with only two minutes left.
After two defeats, Frank Lampard gave Salomon Rondon his first Premier League start since January.
The home side’s bright start matched the Merseyside sunshine with Anthony Gordon looking lively amidst speculation linking him with Chelsea.
He let fly from 25 yards to produce a flying save from Henderson who then got down low to smother a shot by Alex Iwobi.
Tom Davies also made a hash of his finish when left unmarked by the visitors at the far post following a set-piece.
Forest have made a decent start to life in the top flight after a 23-year absence and they finally caused a threat when Pickford was called into action to save from Neco Williams and Taiwo Awoniyi.
Gordon was fired up and became the first booking when caught Lewis O’Brien with a high challenge.
Gray tried to catch out Henderson by drilling his free-kick to the near post forcing the Forest goalkeeper to block with his legs.
Forest were forced to make a change after 55 minutes when midfielder Orel Mangala limped off to be replaced by Ryan Yates.
But there was great excitement a few minutes later when manager Steve Cooper sent on record signing Morgan Gibbs-White for his Forest debut following a £25m move from Wolves.
Everton’s own sub-Amadou Onana was fortunate not to depart early. He was booked as he slipped in challenging Awoniyi and relied on referee Andre Marriner not showing a second card when he untidily bundled over O’Brien.
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