Nottingham Forest returned to winning ways as they survived a nervy ending to overcome Southampton 3-2 at the City Ground.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s team entered the match on the banks of the Trent hoping to extend their Premier League unbeaten streak to eight games. After drawing with leaders Liverpool on Tuesday night, the Reds knew that a win over the Saints would bring them level with second-placed Arsenal in terms of points.
They got off to a great start in the Sunday lunchtime duel, with Elliot Anderson scoring after 11 minutes. Morgan Gibbs-White set up the midfielder with a stunning shot from outside the area, which marked his Forest debut.
Callum Hudson-Odoi extended the hosts’ lead shortly before the half-hour mark, and Chris Wood made it 3-0 with a header on the stroke of the break. The only negative aspect of the first half was Hudson-Odoi’s injury, which prompted him to leave just before halftime.
The Reds sought for more goals in the second quarter, but Wood and Gibbs-White were both denied early on. Southampton, however, responded with a goal on the hour from Jan Bednarek.
Nikola Milenkovic thought he had restored Forest’s three-goal lead shortly afterwards, but his header was ruled off. When Paul Onuachu scored in the 91st minute to make it 3-2, the hosts were forced to play 12 minutes of extra time. They made it – just barely – but it was a terrifying experience to watch. Here’s how Reds writer Sarah Clapson evaluated the Forest players at City Ground.
Matz Sels: It’s really unfortunate not to have another clean sheet. I barely had anything to do before getting beaten by an unfortunate Bednarek deflection off Lesley Ugochukwu’s effort. Then there was a nerve-racking finale when it became 3-2. Rating: 7/10.
Ola Aina: Excellent cross for Wood’s header. In extra time, the full-back came to the rescue at the other end of the pitch with a huge clearance from off the line, preventing the score from becoming 3-3. Rating: 8.5/10.
Nikola Milenkovic may consider himself unlucky not to have scored. It was also a great header. However, following a VAR check and referee Anthony Taylor consulting his pitchside monitor, it was determined that Wood had interfered with play by coming from an offside position. Rating: 8/10.
Murillo: A collective break around the City Ground as the centre-back needed some attention in the second half. However, he lifted himself up. Good job, as what appeared to be a comfortable victory became stressful near the finish. Rating: 8/10.
Neco Williams: Another outstanding performance by the Welshman. They were full of energy and made numerous advances, especially in the first half. He stayed focused on his duty and provided some crucial defense. Rating: 8.5/10.
Nicholas Dominguez: Based on this data, it will be difficult to move from the starting XI. Set the tone with a key block in the opening half and barely paused in an intense performance. Rating: 8/10.
Elliot Anderson scored his first goal in the Garibaldi. A spectacular hit from outside the box. Geordie Maradona deserves it; he’s been waiting a long time for it. Rating: 8/10.
Anthony Elanga: Despite not scoring, he caused lots of issues for Southampton when he surged forward. He appears to be in good shape and full of confidence right now. Rating: 8/10.
Morgan Gibbs-White: A lovely touch to set Anderson up for the opening goal. Involved in some great passages of play and came very near to scoring after the break. Rating: 8/10.
Callum Hudson-Odoi: It’s a shame and a cause for concern that he was forced off with an injury just minutes after scoring with a magnificent strike. He appeared uncomfortable as he walked down the tube, but hopefully nothing major. Rating: 8/10.
Chris Wood: Scored his 14th goal of the season to put his team ahead by three goals. This was his joint-best goal-scoring season in the Premier League. I also contributed an assist to Hudson-Odoi. Rating: 8/10.
Subs
Jota Silva (for Hudson-Odoi, 38 minutes): Called into action sooner than intended. There were several encouraging moments in the second half, but Forest did not perform well after the break. Rating: 7/10.
Morato (for Elanga, 73 minutes): Had to dig in at the end as the Reds came under siege from Southampton. The game’s ending was not easy. Rating: 7/10.
Ryan Yates (for Dominguez, 82 minutes): By the end, the Reds were on the ropes. He had to assist out defensively to get his squad across the finish line. Rating: 6.5/10.
Taiwo Awoniyi (for Wood, 82 minutes): Didn’t really get started. It proved to be a difficult cameo appearance for the frontman. Rating: 6/10.
Ramon Sosa (for Gibbs-White, 83 minutes): Had to spend a significant amount of time defending as Forest were pushed back. I attempted to clear the ball up the pitch a few times. Rating: 6.5/10.
Subs not used: Miguel, Ward-Prowse, Moreno, and Boly.
