Nottingham Forest won their sixth consecutive Premier League game, defeating Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-0, thanks to goals from Morgan Gibbs-White, Chris Wood, and Taiwo Awoniyi.
Forest had not won six consecutive top-tier games since 1966/67, but that was what they aimed for in the West Midlands. And they got off to a great start as Gibbs-White scored against his previous club with only seven minutes on the clock after being set up by Anthony Elanga.
Wolves attempted to mount an immediate reaction, but it needed a crucial block from Murillo and a great save from Matz Sels to put them at bay. Sels had to come to the rescue again on the half-hour mark, this time saving a header from Jorgen Strand Larsen.
The Reds believed that after 34 minutes, when Ola Aina’s cross struck Rayan Ait-Nouri, they should have had a penalty to make it 2-0. However, a VAR review determined that his arm was in a “natural position” and so ruled against handball.
Nonetheless, they doubled their lead just after halftime. Callum Hudson-Odoi dragged the ball back for Wood, who scored his 12th goal of the season.
Sels made another key save to deny Strand Larsen after the break, and Awoniyi came off the bench to add gloss to the scoreline in extra time. Here’s how Reds writer Sarah Clapson evaluated the Forest players at Molineux.
Matz Sels: Forest had a lot to thank the Belgian for after taking the lead. He made two superb saves to keep his team’s lead, then came to the rescue again with another massive stop after the break. Rating: 9/10.
Ola Aina: Had a heavy workload to deal with as Wolves targeted his flank. It proved difficult at times. Regardless of the VAR verdict, he will believe he should have received a first-half penalty. Rating: 8/10.
Nikola Milenkovic: There was some strong defending at moments as the hosts put pressure. Having such a powerful presence in the middle of the back makes a significant impact for the Reds. Rating: 8.5/10.
Murillo made a tremendous block early on to keep his team’s advantage after Gibbs-White’s opener. Forest had a few nervous moments, but the Brazilian helped seal another shutout. Rating: 8.5/10.
Neco Williams: Consistent and solid. The Reds were under pressure for much of the game, especially in the first half, but the Welshman helped secure another clean sheet and three points. Rating: 8/10.
Elliot Anderson: A beautiful touch to set Gibbs-White up for the opener. A crucial deflection denied him the opportunity to score in the second half. Thomas Tuchel, the manager of New England, was in attendance and will have been watching with interest. Rating: 8/10.
Nicholas Dominguez: His occupation allows him to sometimes fly beneath the radar. The midfield duo struggled to adjust to Wolves, particularly in the first half, but the Argentine still contributed. Rating: 7.5/10.
Anthony Elanga: Continued his run of significant contributions by setting up Gibbs-White, adding to his assist against Everton and three-game scoring streak before that. Has rediscovered his form at the right time. Rating: 8/10.
Morgan Gibbs-White: Despite being subjected to a barrage of abuse from the home crowd, he responded with the best possible performance by scoring against his former team. Trademark fingers in ears celebration will undoubtedly have been especially delicious. Rating: 8/10.
Callum Hudson-Odoi: Caused plenty of difficulties for Wolves with some terrific bursts of speed down the left flank. Forest’s second goal demonstrated what he is capable of, and it paid off. Rating: 8.5/10.
Christopher Wood: Good movement and a beautiful finish to double the visitors’ lead with his 12th of the season. He hadn’t received much service prior to it, but he takes advantage of every opportunity. Rating: 7.5/10.
Subs
Morato (for Dominguez, 60 minutes): It’s disappointing that he was left out of the starting lineup after an outstanding performance against Everton. When he appears, he is well-versed in what is expected of him. Rating: 8/10.
Ryan Yates (for Elanga, 69 minutes): Put up a solid performance as Forest secured victory. Always gives his all, no matter how long he plays. Rating: 7/10.
Jota Silva (for Anderson, 69 minutes): Helped the Reds scrap in the latter moments and attempted to give something going forward. However, regaining his place in the XI is currently proving difficult. Rating: 7/10.
James Ward-Prowse (for Gibbs-White, 88 minutes): Set up Awoniyi for his third goal. A fruitful cameo appearance for both of them. Rating: 7.5/10.
Taiwo Awoniyi (for Wood, 88 minutes): He finally scored his first goal of the season. Should give him a huge confidence boost. Hopefully he will be able to kick on. Rating: 7.5/10.
Miguel, Moreno, Sosa, and Boly were not used as substitutes.
