Match Report: Nottingham Forest 0-1 Fulham. Jimenez Penalty Gives Forest First Defeat.

 Nottingham Forest have had their unbeaten run in the Premier League put to an end at the hands of Fulham after the West London side claimed a 1-0 win at the City Ground. A second half Raul Jimenez penalty was enough for Fulham as Forest’s strong start to the season is put to a holt. 

Nuno Espírito Santo made three changes from the side that drew at Brighton & Hove Albion. Morgan Gibbs-White dropped out due to suspension whilst Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga dropped to the bench. Taiwo Awoniyi made his first league start of the campaign with Nicolas Dominguez and Ryan Yates also entering the Eleven. Marco Silva named an unchanged team after beating a then unbeaten Newcastle United 3-1 at Craven Cottage. 

The first half saw very little chances with the only big chance coming for the home side. An Ola Aina long throw was flicked on towards Awoniyi but his shot, with his back to goal, went wide. The Nigerian looking to pick up a bit of form following many injury issues last season. 

That was the only big moment of the first half with the sides going in level. Referee Josh Smith not letting the game flow after giving many cheap fouls against both sides. Both defences stayed resolute with Joachim Andersen being the standout between the teams as he was winning everything in the air. 

Five minutes into the second half, Fulham were awarded a penalty after a VAR check. Murillo fouling Andreas Pereira which gave the chance for Jimenez to convert from 12 yards which he did with ease. The Mexican keeping up his good record against Forest with that being his fourth goal against the Reds since their return to the Premier League. 

VAR had another big decision to make almost instantly as substitute Elanga went down under the challenge of Calvin Bassey but nothing was given. 

Jota Silva came off the bench and saw a well connected volley held by Bernd Leno as Forest kept pushing for an equaliser. 

Forest couldn’t find an equaliser though and fell to a 1-0 defeat. Back to back wins for Fulham as a strong start to the season continues for Silva’s side. They move up to 6th in the table and next travel to champions Manchester City. Forest clearly missing Gibbs-White as they struggled to create chances as they still search for a home win. The Reds sit 9th in the table and travel to Chelsea where they will want to stay unbeaten on the road. 

Match Report: Liverpool 0-1 Nottingham Forest. Hudson-Odoi Goal Ends Liverpool’s Perfect Start.

Nottingham Forest fans have an afternoon to remember after stunning Liverpool to a 1-0 victory at Anfield courtesy of a Callum Hudson-Odoi goal. Liverpool’s 100% record comes to an end under Arne Slot while Forest remain unbeaten in the league. 

Slot named an unchanged team from their 3-0 triumph over rivals Manchester United as he looked to keep up his perfect start after replacing Jurgen Klopp. Nuno Espírito Santo made four changes from the side that drew to Wolverhampton Wanderers. James Ward-Prowse made his debut as he replaced Ibrahim Sangare. Neco Williams, Anthony Elanga and Hudson-Odoi also came out for Alex Moreno, Nicolas Dominguez and Ryan Yates. 

The hosts came close to the opening goal after 16 minutes. Yates tried to shield the ball out for a goal kick but was dispossessed by Luis Diaz and he entered the box and struck the near post. A nervy moment for Yates who was starting his first league game of the season. 

Another chance for Liverpool saw a cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold find Alexis Mac Allister but his header was well saved by goalkeeper Matz Sels. Alexander-Arnold’s ever threatening crosses were causing problems for Nuno’s side. 

There was almost a moment to forget for Sels. A header looped up in the air which should have been easily to claim by the Belgian International but he dropped the ball and had to quickly scramble it off the line. Almost a big mistake from the Forest keeper as he almost gave Liverpool a gift of a lead. 

That was it for the first half with the score at 0-0. Liverpool the better of the two sides but struggled to find that finishing touch. Forest holding out well in the first half but were struggling with the lack of wide players. 

Forest were the first side to create a chance in the second half. Morgan Gibbs-White finding Chris Wood open on the left side but his shot was well saved by Alisson. Forest first real chance of the game which tested the Brazilian keeper. 

A vital clearance from Ola Aina prevented Liverpool from taking the lead. Alexander-Arnold’s corner was flicked on towards goal but Aina was there on the line and cleared it away. Liverpool were growing frustrated and just couldn’t find a way through. 

But then Forest had their moment and took the lead through substitute Hudson-Odoi. Fellow substitute Elanga with a superb cross field ball which found Hudson-Odoi and he cut in from the left and found the far corner. Hudson-Odoi with his first of the season and did it in his trademark fashion. 

Forest could have doubled their lead just seven minutes from time. A Sels goal kick was flicked on by substitute Jota Silva and sent Elanga through on goal but he was denied by Alisson. 

But that was the last action of the game and Forest secured a memorable three points. The Reds remain unbeaten while having a 100% record on the road after having a superb second half where they could have scored more than one. Nuno’s side sit 4th in the table and travel to Brighton & Hove Albion for their next game. Slot’s unbeaten record comes to an end as his side struggled in front of goal and gave Forest their first league win at Anfield in 55 years. They sit 2nd in the table and next travel to AC Milan in the Champions League. 

Match Report: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers. Bellegarde Stunner Cancels Out Wood Opener.

 For the fourth time since their promotion to the Premier League, Nottingham Forest couldn’t get past Wolverhampton Wanderers after another draw with the West Midlands side with the game finishing 1-1 at the City Ground. Two goals within two minutes of each other from Chris Wood and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde settled the game for the sides with Forest remaining unbeaten in the League. 

Nuno Espírito Santo named an unchanged team from the victory at Southampton in their last Premier League outing. There were two changes on the bench however with Ramon Sosa coming in for Andrew Omobamidele. Sosa impressed in the Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle United in the week. Alex Moreno also coming in for Harry Toffolo. Gary O’Neil made three changes to the side humiliated 6-2 by Chelsea. Sam Johnstone made his debut following a deadline day switch From Crystal Palace as he replaced Jose Sa. Matt Doherty and Hee-Chan Hwang came out the side for Craig Dawson and Nelson Semedo. 

It took ten minutes for the opening goal and it was Forest who conjured up the lead. An Elliot Anderson corner finding Wood at the back post and his header across the goal found the net. Two in two home games for the Forest number eleven with Anderson sending in a peach of a delivery for the goal.  

Just two minutes later, Wolves equalised. The ball fell kindly for Bellegarde outside the box and his thunderbolt of an effort from 25 yards out beat Matz Sels. A superb goal from the midfielder who stunned Forest with an instant response. 

Wolves then came close to taking the lead. Matheus Cunha this time taking range from distance but his low effort was just wide of the goal. The Brazilian looking to cause Forest problems again after scoring three against the Reds last season, two of which were at the City Ground. 

It was then the home side’s turn to almost take the lead. Former Wolves man Morgan Gibbs-White with a free kick from the left side that almost found the top corner but was well saved by new boy Johnstone. Gibbs-White looking to haunt his former side and impress following his call up to the England national team. 

That was it for the first half with the score level. Another fiery display between the sides with yellow cards being thrown about a lot. Forest started the better but after both goals, it fell more to an even half between the two Midlands sides. 

Wood came close to a second ten minutes into the second half. While inside the box, Gibbs-White lobbed the ball towards Wood and his header was brilliantly saved by Johnstone. The new keeper enjoying a very good debut following his move from South London. 

Cunha had another chance when the ball deflected into his path and he couldn’t quite curl the ball into the far corner. The former Athletico Madrid man being an ever threat against Forest and caused a lot of problems for Nuno’s side. 

Forest then thought they took the lead with just six minutes to go. A corner from the right side saw Gibbs-White brilliantly denied by Johnstone at the front post, the ball eventually found its way to Wood at the back post and he found the net. But referee Simon Hooper instantly called it for offside, which was agreed with by VAR. 

That was the final big moment and both sides had to settle for the point. Forest remain unbeaten ahead of the international break but would be disappointed not to have at least picked up seven points. The Reds travel to Anfield to play Liverpool after international break. Wolves pick up their first point of the season after a very difficult opening two games with a very good defensive performance. Wanderers next face Newcastle where they will look for their first win of the season. 

Match Report: Southampton 0-1 Nottingham Forest. Gibbs-White Goal Gives Forest Delight On The South Coast.

Nottingham Forest secured their first win of the Premier League season after beating newly promoted Southampton at St. Mary’s stadium.  A Morgan Gibbs-White goal in the second half gave the Reds all three points as they look to start the season of strongly. 

Russell Martin named an unchanged side from their opening day defeat to Newcastle United. Former Forest academy graduate Ben Brereton Diaz making his home debut for the Saints alongside Adam Armstrong up front. Nuno Espírito Santo made two changes from the draw with AFC Bournemouth. Summer signings Elliot Anderson and Nikola Milenkovic were given their first starts as they replaced Danilo and Willy Boly. It was confirmed in the week that Danilo suffered a broken ankle in the draw against the Cherries. 

It was Forest who came close first in the game. Ola Aina with a cross from the left side which found Chris Wood but his header was easily held by Alex McCarthy. Wood looking to build on his opening day strike against Bournemouth. 

Forest came close again as Wood picked up the ball after a corner and put the ball across goal but new boy Milenkovic was just out of reach from scoring on his debut. 

Southampton’s best chance of the half came when Kyle Walker-Pieters drifted centrally with the ball from the left and his shot from outside the box was saved by Matz Sels.

That was it for the first half with Forest being the better of the two sides. Nuno’s side would have been disappointed not to find the back of the net after having twelve shots, compared to the Saints’ two. Last season’s Championship play off winners struggled to make an impact on the game as they were still getting used to top flight football. 

With 20 minutes to go, Forest took the lead. Callum Hudson-Odoi with a cross to the back post which found Gibbs-White and his headed effort fell back to him and he found the net from close range. The Forest favourite getting the Reds going on the road with his first of the season. It took the midfielder until November to score his first last campaign. 

The Reds almost netted a second three minutes later. Anthony Elanga bursting down the right side and entering the box but was denied by McCarthy at his near post. 

The chances kept coming for the away side. This time Hudson-Odoi with his trademark cut in from the left side and his shot was well saved again by McCarthy. Saints fans have their keeper to thank for as it could have been a different scoreline without him. 

That was the final big action of the game as Forest claim their first three points of the season a superb performance from the East Midlands outfit, in which they had 23 shots on goal. A win and a draw to start the season with their next game being Newcastle under the City Ground lights in the Carabao Cup. Southampton struggling to re-adapt to Premier League life as it’s now back to back 1-0 losses for Martin’s side. The south coast side are also in Carabao Cup action next as they travel to Championship side Cardiff City. 

Match Report: Nottingham Forest 1-1 AFC Bournemouth. Semenyo Strikes Late To Deny Forest Win.

 

Nottingham Forest and AFC Bournemouth had to settle for a point on the opening day after a 1-1 draw at the City Ground. Chris Wood had his first half strike cancelled out by a late Antonine Semenyo goal as both sides couldn’t find an opening three points.  

Nuno Espírito Santo didn’t hand any starts to any of the summer signings. Carlos Miguel, Elliot Anderson, Jota Silva and Eric Da Silva Moreira all got places on the bench whilst Nikola Milenkovic had a suspension carry over from Italy. Ramon Sosa, who signed the night before the game, wasn’t involved. Andoni Iraola gave a debut to Dean Hujisen with other signings Julian Araujo and Daniel Jebbison both on the bench. Big money signing Evanilson wasn’t involved. 

Just six minutes in, Forest were forced into an early substitute. Midfielder Danilo was forced off on a stretcher after an awkward land and he was replaced by captain Ryan Yates, who signed a new contract in the summer. 

Substitute Yates made a big impact as he was involved in opening the scoring for the Reds. The midfielder latching onto a bouncing ball and getting a shot away which was pushed away by Neto into the path of Wood who found the net. Last season’s top scorer getting off the mark and opening Forest’s account for the new season. 

Anthony Elanga came close to doubling the lead a few minutes later. His low shot from the edge of the box well saved by Neto. The Reds looking very dangerous in the early stages. 

Bournemouth then thought they found an equaliser. A smart corner routine saw the ball played back to taker Lewis Cook and his low ball in caused confusion and eventually fell to Dango Outtara who found the top corner. But after a VAR check it was deemed that Cook was offside when the ball was played back to him so it kept the score at 1-0. 

That was it for the first half with Forest on the right side of the scoreline. A decent half from the Reds as they kept pushing for a goal but they still looked vulnerable from set pieces, an achilleas heal for Nuno’s side last season. Bournemouth struggled to create anything clear cut and were missing the presence of last seasons top scorer Dominic Solanke, who completed a move to Tottenham Hotspur over the summer. 

It was Bournemouth with the first chance of the second half. Marcus Tavernier tested his luck from distance but his shot curled wide of the far post. 

Forest almost doubled their advantage when Callum Hudson-Odoi’s corner was met by Willy Boly and his header was brilliantly saved by Neto. The defender scored in the Reds final home game of last season in a 3-2 defeat against Chelsea. 

But Bournemouth did what they always do at the City Ground and scored late on. Substitute Ryan Christie breaking down the left and sending a low ball into the box which came for Semenyo after a failed clearance and he found the equaliser. The former Bristol City man scored eight goals last season and he got his campaign up and running at the City Ground. 

That was the final action of the game with Bournemouth securing a late point. Forest with a poor second half as they couldn’t hold on to a first opening day win in the Premier League since promotion. The Reds travel to newly promoted Southampton next where they will look to start their away travels with a win. Bournemouth’s substitutes playing a key part in their triumph for a leveller as they cause Forest more late heartbreak. The Cherries next host Newcastle United in their first home game. 

Match Report: Sheffield United 1-3 Nottingham Forest. Hudson-Odoi Scores Brace As Forest Pick Up Huge Win

Nottingham Forest picked up a huge three points in their quest for Premier League survival after beating already relegated Sheffield United 3-1 at Bramall Lane. Callum Hudson-Odoi scored twice with Ryan Yates also scoring for the Reds after Ben Brereton Diaz put the home side ahead. 

Chris Wilder made one change from the side that lost 5-1 at Newcastle United, which confirmed their relegation. Mason Holgate came out the side with former Red Jack Robinson replacing him. He was one of four former Forest players in the Blades side along with Brereton Diaz, Anel Ahmedhodzic and Ben Osborn. Nuno Espírito Santo made two changes from the defeat to Manchester City. Neco Williams dropped out through injury and was replaced by Gonzalo Montiel with Yates also coming in for Moussa Niakhate. Nuno switching back to his favoured back four formation. 

The home side were awarded a penalty 17 minutes into the game as Montiel brought down Brereton Diaz as he entered the box. The man who won it took it and scored past Matz Sels to put the Blades 1-0 up against his former side. The striker, on loan from Spanish side Villareal, came through the youth ranks at Forest and left in 2019 for Blackburn Rovers. 

Forest found a leveller though. Danilo playing the ball to Hudson-Odoi on the left side and he cut in on his right foot and found the top corner with his trademark move. A big goal for Forest with Hudson-Odoi getting another goal from cutting in onto his right foot. 

The Yorkshire side came close to scoring again as Cameron Archer skipped past Willy Boly and went one on one with Sels but was brilliantly denied by the goalkeeper. 

Sels was brought into action again when Gustavo Hamer shot from outside the box but the Belgian international was able to tip over the bar. Sels keeping Forest in the game after pulling off some important saves. 

The away side did have a chance of their own when former blade Morgan Gibbs-White sent a cross in from the right which Chris Wood met but his header hit the crossbar. A big chance going begging for Wood again with another game where a chance he missed should have gone in. 

That was it for the first half with the sides going in level. The home side probably the better of the two with them creating the most chances. Forest really struggling against the bottom of the table side in one of their most important games of the season. A big second half was needed if they wanted to build a gap on Luton Town and Burnley.  

Forest then took the lead in the second half. A Gibbs-White free kick floated into the box and was eventually headed down by Boly and smashed home by Yates. A first ever Premier League goal for the midfielder who is the only remaining Forest player from the promotion winning side of 2022. A special moment for him and a huge goal for Forest. 

The visitors then netted their third and it was Hudson-Odoi again. In similar fashion to his first, he cut in from the left and found the far corner to net his seventh goal of the season. Blades struggled to deal with the former Chelsea man who was causing them so many issues. 

The host’s afternoon then got worse as Ahmedhodzic received a second yellow card for a foul on substitute Nicolas Dominguez as they finished the game with just ten men. 

That was the final action of the game as Forest pick up a massive victory. Sheffield United losing after going in front again after their loss in Newcastle and will be ending the season poorly after a miserable campaign. Wilder’s men travel to Everton for their penultimate game of the season. A brilliant afternoon for Forest who pick up a big win on the relegation battle. The Reds remain 17th and sit five points clear of Burnley and three points clear of Luton with Chelsea at home being their next game where they will look to confirm their Premier League status for next season. 

Match Report- Nottingham Forest 0-2 Manchester City. City Victorious In Huge Game At Both Ends Of The Table.

 

Nottingham Forest put up a valiant effort against Premier League and European champions Manchester City but ultimately fell short as it was City who came away with a 2-0 win at the City Ground. A goal in each half by Josko Gvardiol and Erling Haaland puts City in closer reach of the Premier League top spot as Forest are still in a fight for survival. 

Nuno Espírito Santo made two changes from the defeat at Everton. Nicolas Dominguez wasn’t involved at all with Giovani Reyna dropped to the bench as Willy Boly and Anthony Elanga replaced them. Nuno with a switch of formation with Boly making his second appearance since December. Pep Guardiola made two changes from his side that thumped Brighton & Hove Albion. Mateo Kovacic and Phil Foden were replaced by Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku. Grealish making a return to Nottingham having spent time on loan at Notts County over the river in 2014. 

It was Manchester City with the first effort of the game. Kevin De Bruyne on the left side of the box had a low shot saved by Belgian teammate Matz Sells as the shot went towards the bottom corner. De Bruyne looking for a better game at the City Ground after last seasons frustrating display. 

The league champions did take the lead just after the half an hour mark. De Bruyne’s corner was met at the front post by a rising Gvardiol who’s header found the back of the net. A second league goal of the season in the league for the Croatian defender who joined from German side RB Leipzig in the summer as he put City ahead. Forest were temporarily down to ten men at this stage with Neco Williams off the pitch injured, and he would eventually be replaced by Gonzalo Montiel. 

Forest came close to an equaliser when Ola Aina powered a cross from the left with Montiel getting it to Chris Wood who couldn’t convert from close range. Another game where Wood could have added to his goal scoring record. 

Forest had another big chance go begging. A Callum Hudson-Odoi corner eventually bounced to Murillo who tried to flick it home from close range with it just going over. Another chance Forest would be disappointed not to score from as they looked to defy the odds against City again. 

That was it for the first half and a half Forest would be content with. They were not letting City create chances and were certainly trying to get at them in such an important game. City clinical from a set piece and saw a large percentage of the ball which was always going to happen. The Blues did make a half time substitute with goalkeeper Ederson coming off with an injury and being replaced by Stefan Ortega. Kovacic came also came on for Doku. 

Forest came close early in the second half. Anthony Elanga skipping past Kyle Walker before pulling the ball back for Wood and his shot was brilliantly blocked by Gvardiol to keep the score at 1-1. Wood struggling to find the net again which came as a suprise considering the season he has had. 

City came close with De Bruyne involved again as he put the ball in behind for Julian Alvarez but he couldn’t keep his shot down as it sailed over the bar. 

Forest had a another chance to equalise. Elanga flashing the ball across the six yard box but Wood couldn’t quite get a foot onto it. Forest were putting up a fight but couldn’t find the finishing touch. 

Selz had to produce again for Forest with De Bruyne taking range from outside the box but the keeper  made an acrobatic save for the Reds. De Bruyne pulling the strings for City and causing a lot of issues for Forest. 

City did then get their second. De Bruyne yet again playing a ball in behind and substitute Haaland rolled the ball home. A 32nd goal of the season for the striker that sealed the game for the champions with twenty minutes to go. 

Forest came close to pulling one back when Callum Hudson-Odoi had a dipping shot well saved by Ortega. Hudson-Odoi with his trademark cutting in on his right foot which has been a dangerous weapon for Forest this season. 

But that was it for the game with Manchester City claiming a 2-0 win. A big result in the title race as they go one point behind leaders Arsenal with a game in hand. They’re next fixture is a home game against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Forest defeated but a performance to be proud of as they gave the European Champions a good game. The Reds sit 17th one point clear of Luton Town and two points clear of Burnley. They next travel to Bramall Lane to face already relegated Sheffield United in a massive game in Yorkshire.