USMNT star Gio Reyna unable to impress in second consecutive start as Nottingham Forest's Premier League survival hopes take huge blow in loss to Everton

There were two goals in it and they both went Everton's way as the Toffees picked up three crucial points in the Premier League's tight relegation race. The finishes were very similar, with goalkeeper Mats Selz left hopelessly diving to stop two long-range rollers. The first came from Idrissa Gana Gueye, who picked out a corner with what turned out to be the game-winner in the 29th minute. McNeil then put the match totally out of reach in the 76th minute as Forest suffered a huge blow to their survival hopes.

With the loss, Forest missed the opportunity to put some space between themselves and the bottom three as they'll now head into a nervy final four matches. Forest will enter those games in 17th, just one point above 18th-place Luton and three points ahead of 19th-place Burnley. Everton's victory, meanwhile, puts them four points clear of Forest with a game in hand, giving the Toffees a bit of breathing room despite their points deduction.

After a solid performance against Wolves headlined by a corner-kick assist, Reyna was back in the Forest starting XI. He was fieded on the right wing, a position normally occupied by Anthony Elanga, who was out of the XI once again as he recovered from injury.

Saturday's effort wasn't nearly as impressive as Reyna's first start against Wolves, though. He had a few bright moments but the American's skills felt wasted as a winger. Reyna isn't a player that gets down the line, which makes his skillset an awkward fit with this Forest team.

Still, Reyna did have a few good sequences. he nearly drew a penalty in the 24th minute while playing a key part in a big Forest chance just moments before halftime. He lasted just 53 minutes, though, before Nuno Espirito Santo opted to bring in Elanga to add a different dimension to the attack. Reyna's playing time will remain a storyline to watch for USMNT fans as the Copa America looms.

Gio Reyna (6/10):

Actually had a few bright moments, but Reyna also looked like a player that doesn't quite fit with this Forest team. With big games coming and Elanga getting closer to full fitness, this didn't feel like a performance that would convince Nuno to give him another go in the starting XI.

Forest's next Premier League match will be the toughest one on offer as they prepare to face Manchester City next Sunday at the City Ground. After that, though, will be a match that's crucial to their survival as Forest will face Sheffield United on May 4.