Nuno Espirito Santo was hoping his side would bounce back strongly after its 2-1 loss to Aston Villa last weekend, but Everton snatched the points in the dying embers of this contest.

The Toffees were arguably the better team throughout a hard-fought and scrappy encounter, with Forest struggling to hit top gear, and it was undone by a superb counter that was finished off coolly by Doucoure.

James Garner and Iliman Nidaye saw efforts saved by Matz Sels in the first half, while Callum Hudson-Odoi tested Jordan Pickford just before the break.

Hudson-Odoi should have done better when he cut inside the area early in the second half, before Ndiaye failed to beat Sels at the other end.

The lively Jack Harrison lashed just over with 15 minutes remaining before Everton had a penalty appeal waved away when Beto went down under pressure from Murillo.

But a stunning late breakaway caught Forest cold. Murillo was caught in possession by Dwight McNeil, who teed up Doucoure for a fine first-time finish.

The victory moves Everton to 38 points in 14th place, while Forest is just one point above Manchester City and three clear of fifth-place Aston Villa, in what is shaping up to be a thrilling race for UEFA Champions League qualification.