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 18th 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 16th 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.
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