Match Report: Nottingham Forest 1-0 Arsenal. Forest survival confirmed as Arsenal title hopes officially over.

 

The City Ground roof erupted as Nottingham Forest confirmed survival after beating high flying Arsenal 1-0 in their final home game of the season. Taiwo Awoniyi's first half strike secured the Reds place for a second straight year in the Premier League. It is the first time all three promoted clubs have stayed up since the 2017/18 season. For Arsenal, their title hopes are over as this result confirms Manchester City have won the league for a third consecutive year.

Steve Cooper made no changes from his side that drew 2-2 at Chelsea. It meant Brennan Johnson was on the bench for a second game in a row as Cooper focused more on defence rather than attack. Mikel Arteta made two changes from his side that suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Brighton Hove Albion. Gabriel Martinelli dropped out through injury and was replaced by January Leandro Trossard. Kieran Tierney also dropped out the side and in came Thomas Partey.

An Arsenal mistake after 19 minutes gave Forest the chance to take the lead in which they did. Captain Martin Odegaard gave away the ball in midfield that Morgan Gibbs-White latched onto, the record signing had options left and right but chose the latter to put Awoniyi through and he finished past Aaron Ramsdale. A fifth goal in three games for the Forest number nine who has stepped up massively when his side has needed him.

That was it for a very quiet first half as Awoniyi fired Forest into an important lead. Arsenal were seeing a lot of the ball but struggled to create anything against a tight Forest defence. The host's heading into the break in front for a fourth game in a row and questions were asked for if they could hold onto what would end up being a long 45 minutes.

Like the first half, the second half proved very little for chances on goal. The visitors did have a big chance after 60 minutes. A ball sent in behind the Forest defence found Bukayo Saka on the right hand side but he was denied at close range from Keylor Navas. A big save from the on loan keeper who did seem to have some trouble in the game as he wasn't able to take any goal kicks, captain Joe Worrall took them instead.

Forest did have a chance towards the end of the game. Some lovely skill from Gibbs-White to get away from Odegaard and then he danced his way past Ben White before letting a shot off but was denied by Ramsdale.

Despite the Arsenal pressure in stoppage time, the referee blew his whistle and confirmed that Nottingham Forest had defied the odds and stayed in the Premier League. The City Ground left rocking with Forest surviving with a game to spare. Forest remain 16^th and can finish as high as 14^th if they win their final game away at Crystal Palace a week on Sunday. For Arsenal, an unbelievable season ends in heartbreak as they miss out on the Premier League title after sitting at the top for so long. The Gunners will finish second in the table and will make a return to the Champions League. Arteta's side face one more test as they host Wolves on the final day of the Premier League season.

Match Report: Chelsea 2-2 Nottingham Forest. Reds grab big point at Stamford Bridge.

 

Nottingham Forest earned an important point after drawing 2-2 with Chelsea in an entertaining game at Stamford Bridge. A brace for both Raheem Sterling and Taiwo Awoniyi ultimately shared the points in London as Forest get a key result in the Premier League relegation battle with just two more games to go.

Frank Lampard made five changes from the team that ended a poor run of form after beating Bournemouth. There was a change in between the sticks as Edouard Mendy came in for Kepa. The other changes included youngster Lewis Hall coming into the side along with Mateo Kovacic, Joao Felix and Sterling. Ben Chilwell, N'Golo Kante, Kai Havertz and Mykhailo Mudryk all came out the side. There was only one change for Steve Cooper's side as Joe Worrall came in for Brennan Johnson. Serge Aurier was deemed fit enough after coming off in the victory against Southampton.

It took just 13 minutes for the opening goal and it was the away side who took the lead. Renan Lodi sending a cross in from the left which found the head of Taiwo Awoniyi and his header looped over Mendy and into the back of the net. A man on form at the moment after scoring a brace in the victory against Southampton and is proving to be key in the Reds fight for survival.

Chelsea did get a chance before half time. In similar fashion to the opening goal, Hall sent in a dangerous ball from the left and Felix won the header but was denied by Navas as he saved up to his left. The forward, on loan from Athletico Madrid, looking to add to his tally of three league goals this season.

That was it in for the first half as for the third game running, Forest were in front at the break. The Reds defending well against the recent European champions and not letting them get many efforts on goal. There was a injury forced substitute before half time for Chelsea as Kovacic went off for Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Chelsea needed to find response in the second half as they wanted to build on the win at Bournemouth.

Five minutes into the second half, Chelsea did find a response. Trevoh Chalobah was played in down the right side and he cut the ball back to Sterling who's deflected shot found the back of the net. The England international scored in the reverse fixture at the City Ground earlier in the season and he was causing Forest issues again. A feeling Forest fans expected as their side threw away another lead away from home.

Seven minutes later, Sterling scored again. Aurier gave away the ball in the middle of the pitch and Loftus-Cheek broke. The midfielder played it to his left for Sterling who cut in on his right foot and found the top corner from the edge of the box with a brilliant finish. A sixth league goal for the man who joined Chelsea from Premier League champions Manchester City in the summer. A brilliant response from Lampard's men as they made Forest throw away their one goal lead.

Forest then equalised with 61 minutes on the clock. A long throw from Moussa Niakhate was cleared but Orel Mangala helped the ball back into the box and Awoniyi was there to finish from close range. Four goals in two games now for the Nigerian who is now up to eight league goals for the season. Another goal from a Niakhate long throw for the Reds as that is becoming to be a deadly tactic for Cooper's side.

It was another long throw that caused problems for Chelsea. It was cleared again but only as far as Lodi who's powerful volley went just wide of Mendy's goal. The long throwing tactic really looks to be a threat for the Reds after scoring a few goals from them as of late.

Despite late pressure from Chelsea and seeing a lot of the ball, the game finished level. Another home game with no victory for the Blues and they will be hoping the season ends quickly after a very disappointing campaign, especially after a large spending spree across the two transfer windows. The West London side remain 11^th and next travel to Manchester City for their penultimate away game of the season. For Forest, they stay 16^th and keep a three point gap between them and the bottom three. They are now also four points clear of Leicester City before their game with Liverpool on Monday. The Reds next host Arsenal at the City Ground in their final home game of the season where there is a chance that they are mathematically safe.

Match Report: Nottingham Forest 4-3 Southampton. Seven goal thriller sinks Saints as Forest win back to back at home.

 

A thrilling encounter played out at the City Ground in the Premier League relegation battle as Nottingham Forest beat bottom club Southampton 4-3. Goals from Carlos Alcaraz, Lyanco and James Ward-Prowse was not enough for the away side as Taiwo Awoniyi picked up a brace while Morgan Gibbs-White and Danilo added to those two goals. It is a huge three points for the home side as they move out the bottom three but Southampton's relegation is close to being confirmed.

Steve Cooper made one change to his side that suffered late heartbreak at Brentford. Joe Worrall came out the side for Ryan Yates who made his first start since the defeat at home Newcastle United before the international break. There was starts for Brennan Johnson and Danilo despite being doubtful through injury. Ruben Selles made three changes to his side that lost at Newcastle. Lyanco, Moussa Djenepo and Kamaldeen Sulemana made way for Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Theo Walcott and Che Adams came into the side.

The flurry of goals started in the 18^th minute and it was the home side who got the goal. A quick free kick from Renan Lodi saw Danilo play a long diagonal pass over the top to Johnson and he put the ball across the box for Awoniyi to fire home from close range. A fifth goal of the season for the physical striker who has seemed to be a key factor in the change of performance as of late.

Five goals for the season changed to six just three minutes later as Awoniyi scored again. The Reds put pressure on the Southampton penalty area and Danilo managed to help on a ball in the air and Awoniyi volleyed home on the turn from just a few yards out. The night proving to be a memorable one for the Nigerian who also scored in the return fixture in Forest's only league away win.

That two goal lead was short lived for Forest as Southampton pulled one back. Gibbs-White gave away the ball mid way through the visitors half and The Saints broke. Stuart Armstrong managing to put a ball across to Alcaraz who tapped in from close range. A fourth goal of the season for the Argentine who joined from Racing Club in his home country.

Just before half time, the home side were awarded a penalty. Johnson was caught by Maitland-Niles and after some thought, the referee pointed to the spot. It was Gibbs-White who took responsibility from 12 yards, just like he did against Brighton, converted from the spot to put Forest 3-1 up. That is three goals in four games for the record signing who is clearly loving his time by the river Trent.

That was the end to a very entertaining first half with the home side 3-1 up and seemingly cruising their way to three points it felt like. For Southampton it was complete contrast from their first half with Newcastle where they were 1-0 up but they were really struggling to deal with Forest on the counter attack.

Early into the second half, the visitors were back in the game again. Substitute Lyanco heading in from a Ward-Prowse corner to give hope to his side. Set pieces seemingly the way to go for the side at the bottom as that is where they were causing problems for Forest. It was a first Premier League goal for the Brazilian defender who has made 18 league appearances this season.

The home side then got their fourth of the night. After some nice play on the right side between Worrall, Kouyate and Johnson, the latter sent a low ball into the box which Gibbs-White did an outrageous flick to slow down the ball and put on a plate for Danilo to convert. The Brazilian now . having scored in each of his last three games. It is the first time this season the Reds had scored four goals in a Premier League game this season and it was proving to be a brilliant night for the Tricky Trees.

Forest thought they had five as the game entered additional time. Gibbs-White deep free kick was sent into the box and found Felipe who brought the ball down and went through and finished past Alex McCarthy. After a VAR check the defender was deemed offside. A frustrating moment for the Brazilian who has seriously impressed sine making the move from Spanish giants Athletico Madrid in January.

Just moments later, the visitors got themselves a penalty after Sam Surridge caught Romeo Lavia just inside the box. In similar fashion to Gibbs-White, Ward Prowse went down the middle and made it 4-3 with still a large chunk of additional time to play. That goal meaning it would be a very nervy end of the game for Forest.

Despite a load of pressure from the Saints, it wasn't enough as Forest came away as 4-3 winners. A huge win for Steve Cooper's men who now sit 16^th in the table and three points clear of the bottom three with three games to go. Reds fans are starting to think survival is a real possibility but will be hoping that they get something in their next fixture away at Chelsea on Saturday. For Southampton, confirmation on their relegation is upon them. If the Saints fail to beat Fulham at home next week their relegation will be confirmed as they remain bottom but are eight points from safety.

The Premier League relegation battle- Who will fall short?

 

As the 2022/23 Premier League season is drawing to a close, the fight for survival is one of the best that the division has ever seen with no clubs as of yet confirmed to be dropping down to the Championship with just four games remaining. Six clubs still find themselves looking over their shoulder on whether they will still be in the top flight next season, as the battle promises to be an entertaining end to the season with only five points separating 19^th and 15^th in the table and three sides all tied on 30 points.

This article will show a deep dive into all the teams battling out to survive showing what their chances are of staying in the Premier League for another season.

Southampton- 24 points.

An eleven year stay in the Premier League could soon be over for bottom club Southampton who sit six points from safety with just four games to go. Ruben Selles men have had a dismal season in the top flight as week by week they have been getting closer to confirmation of relegation. But it is by no means over for the South Coast club after some encouraging performances as of late. They showed that they still have fight in them after they were 3-1 up at then league leaders Arsenal but two late goals condemned the Saints to a draw as the Gunners brought it back to 3-3.

Games are slowly running out for the side with only six wins this season. They next travel to relegation rivals Nottingham Forest for a huge game on Monday night in a fixture that could decide if they have any chance of staying up. Then they have three tough tests with a home game against Fulham, a trip to South Coast rivals Brighton & Hove Albion and then a final game of the season where they host Liverpool.

If results went their way, the Saints would need to win at least two of their games and get a point at least in another match. That win could be difficult to come by as they have not won in nine league games so they will need a massive turn of fortune if they were to stay in the division.

Injuries for Selles to deal with are not as bad as other clubs in and around him. Tino Livramento could make a return from a long term injury whereas Romain Perraud is set to be out for the rest of the season with an ankle injury. Defender Mohammed Salisu is also out with a knock as well as forward Paul Onuachu.

So it only feels a matter of time before Southampton's relegation is confirmed but there is a chance that they defy the odds and stay in the the top flight but they would need to pull off something special in their final four games.

Everton- 29 points.

Fans of Everton could be set to taste relegation for the first time in the clubs history after yet another disappointing season in the top flight. After surviving by four points last season, the Toffees are set for another nail biting end to the season as the club sit 19^th but only one point from safety. Despite being 19^th in the table, most would agree that Everton have improved ever since Sean Dyche took over from Frank Lampard after gaining some important points to keep in reach with those above them. They kept Leicester City in their grasp on Monday night after playing out a 2-2 draw at the King Power Stadium. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who opened the scoring against the Foxes, could prove to be very important come the end of the season after returning from an injury that kept him out since February.

For a side that have only won once in their last eleven games, the final four games will be crucial on deciding if they leave the Premier League for the first ever time. They first travel to European hopefuls Brighton and then host champions Manchester City before ending the season with a trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers and a home game against Bournemouth. Those final two game could be seen crucial as, although both teams look safe, they will be looked at as games that they can be pick up points in. Those four sides were all teams Everton struggled to beat earlier in the season but under Dyche it could all change.

In that draw with Leicester, captain Seamus Coleman went off with what could be a season ending injury after being on the end of a nasty tackle. The fan favourite joins Andros Townsend, Ruben Vinagre and Ben Godfrey in the treatment room. Dyche will be hoping for no more injuries from now until the end of the season.

The Toffees do have what it takes to reach survival and will need full support from their fans as things can turn toxic very quick. They will be hoping for similar events from when they beat Crystal Palace last season to confirm survival but to do that they need to start picking up wins and scoring more as before the Leicester game, they were the lowest scoring side in the top four leagues in England.

Nottingham Forest- 30 points.

After ending their 23 year Premier League exile last season through the play offs, Nottingham Forest stay in the top flight could be a short one with an instant return to the Championship looming over the Trent. The Reds sit 18^th in the table only on goal difference going into the final four matches of the season. It has been a tough season for Steve Cooper's men who have found Premier League life difficult especially away from home after only winning one away game all season. An injury riddled season has made it difficult for Steve Cooper who has been under pressure from the press for a large percentage of the season but Forest owner, Evangelos Marinakis, publicly backed him twice this season.

The final running of the season for Forest could be huge if they perform to high standards. They next host Southampton at the City Ground, in which previously mentioned, is a massive game at the bottom end of the table. They then travel to an under performing Chelsea before hosting title challengers Arsenal and a final day trip to Crystal Palace. Both home games will be crucial for Forest as that is where they perform best and will be hoping for similar events against Arsenal from their last two home games against the Gunners after knocking them out the FA Cup twice since 2018.

It has been a busy season in the treatment room at Forest as they have always seemed to have a large number of injuries. Danilo the most recent casualty from the game against Brentford and he joins a large number of nine players currently side-lined. A positive from the injury department was Ryan Yates returning on Saturday for the 2-1defeat at Brentford which could be very key for the Reds.

The fan base is very divided on whether they will return to the Championship next season as ever since the Liverpool defeat, the Reds have shown a bit more fight. Something they will need to cut out is dropping points from winning positions. In total Cooper's men have dropped 23 points from winning positions, a statistic not good enough for the Premier League but there is reason to be confident for Forest with one of the easier run of games.

Leeds United- 30 points.

After last seasons final day heroics after beating Brentford 2-1 to confirm survival, Leeds United are stuck in the same position of not knowing what league they will be in next season and this time the task looks a whole lot tougher. The side from Yorkshire sit out of the bottom three only on goal difference as it has been another year of frustration for the Elland Road faithful. After their 4-1 defeat at Bournemouth at the weekend, there is set to be a 3^rd change in the dugout this season. Javi Gracia is set to depart the club despite only arriving in February and he is set to be replaced by former West Ham United and West Brom manager Sam Allardyce. Leeds have confirmed that director Victor Orta has left the club.

The club brandished as a “mess” by the fans have not got a pretty fixture list to end the season. They next travel to leaders Manchester City then host high flying Newcastle United before finishing off with a trip to West Ham and a home game against Tottenham Hotspur. A tough read for Leeds fans with a difficult end to the season in which some fans have accepted that they will be playing Championship football next season.

If Sam Allardyce does take over he will be without four key players. Luis Sinisterra and Struart Dallas are out for the season whereas Liam Cooper and Tyler Adams are both out injured but could make a return by the end of the season but it is not guaranteed.

It is set to be a very tough end to the season for Leeds due to the fixtures and injuries and the fans not feeling connected to the club they love. Most Premier League fans already have Leeds United down. But can Sam Allardyce turn that sinking ship around? If he is to take over if Gracia does end up departing. There is a chance of survival but they will have to dig deep to sustain their Premier League status.

Leicester City- 30 points.

Just two seasons ago, Leicester City finished one point outside of the Champions League qualification spots. Now just two seasons later the club are fighting to stay in the Premier League after a very poor season in which Brendan Rodgers four year spell as manager came to an end. Now at the helm is former Aston Villa and Norwich manager Dean Smith as he looks to keep the Foxes in the top flight. A tough season for a club that won that won the title in 2016 but  Smith has only been defeated once in his opening four games and that was to Manchester City. With quality players like James Maddison, Youri Tielemans and Harvey Barnes to help pull them through it could still be a tight end to the season.

The draw against Everton would of felt like a missed opportunity for Leicester especially after James Maddison saw his penalty saved at 2-1. The three game unbeaten streak will be look to be extended when Leicester travel to Fulham and then a home game against Liverpool before travelling to Newcastle and hosting West Ham on the final day. Those fixtures won't be seen as easy games with two of the side in the top five also Fulham sitting in 10^th and having a good home record.

The injury list at the blue side of the East Midlands is not one to be proud of. Defenders Ricardo Pereira, James Justin, Jonny Evans and Ryan Bertrand are out with forward Kelechi Iheanacho recently joining them with a groin injury. Certainly not the worst injury record but not one that will leave Smith with a smile on his face.

Overall it feels tough to decide if Leicester will be a Premier League club next season with a difficult run of games coming up. Most feel that the quality of players should be able to pull them through but that draw with Everton last night was a missed opportunity to gain some ground on those below them. It will be a tense end of the season for the Foxes but those in Blue will be hoping to have a Premier League logo on the sleeve of their shirt next season.

West Ham United- 34 points.

Most fans seem to think that West Ham United are safe, but with only four points separating them and the bottom three it is all still to play for. A disappointing season for the side who are sill in the UEFA Conference League has seen pressure mount on manager David Moyes after finishing 7^th in the league just last season. Goals do not seem difficult to come by at the minute with the Hammers scoring 14 goals in their last five games in all competitions. The defeat at Crystal Palace at the weekend highlighted defensive worries as they were beaten 4-3 by an attacking Palace side.

The side from East London do have a game in hand on those below them, they play Manchester City away on Wednesday night before hosting the other side of Manchester at the London Stadium. A trip to Brentford and a home game to Leeds will be rounded of with a trip to relegation rivals Leicester. In between them games they have a two legged semi final against AZ Allkmaar in the UEFA Conference League. An important end to the season in which they play two relegation rivals in which could decide how the bottom three ends.

West Ham have a good fortune with injuries at the moment. Only Gianluca Scamacca and Kurt Zouma are sidelined, Zouma coming off in the defeat at Palace. If they get an injury to someone like Declan Rice though, it would probably strike fear into the Hammers faithful.

It is in West Ham's hands for whether they survive with that four point gap separating them and the bottom three .It will be a real shock if they go down especially while being in an European competition. One win would realistically be enough for the London side and then they can start planning ahead for next season.

The Premier League race for survival is truly on and it promises to have fans on the edges of their seat. For the fans of those clubs it will be a very nervous few weeks for those as they want to see their sides competing with the very best in the country. In a season in which the relegation battle has been one of the best ever, it leaves the question, who will fall short?