Match Report: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Manchester United. Forest claim back to back wins as the form keeps picking up.

 For the first time this season, Nottingham Forest have won back to back games in the Premier League after beating Manchester United 2-1 under the City Ground lights. Goals from Nicolas Dominguez and Morgan Gibbs-White gave Forest their first home win under the new manager as they build away from the relegation zone. 

Nuno Espírito Santo made two changes to his side who beat Newcastle United on Boxing Day. Ibrahim Sangare missed out through suspension whilst Callum Hudson-Odoi dropped to the bench.

Dominguez and Ryan Yates came in as Nuno moved to a three man midfield. Dominguez was making his first start since the 5-0 defeat at Fulham at the start of December. Erik Ten Hag made just the one change to his side that fought back to claim three points against Aston Villa. Hero of that game Rasmus Højlund missed out through illness and he was replaced by Antony. The Brazilian winger scored in United’s 2-0 win at the City Ground in the Premier League last season. 

The only side to come close to scoring in the first side was Forest. Ola Aina sent a ball down the line for Anthony Elanga who sent in a ball from the left which was almost turned into his own net by Raphaël Varane as his touch sent it across the face of goal.  

That was the only chance of the first half with the chances being limited. Unlike last season, Forest were not letting United dominate with the ball and were showing some fight in them. The visitors struggled to create anything with no natural number nine playing with Forest causing problems. There was a substitution at half time by Ten Hag as Kobbie Mainoo was replaced by Scott McTominay. 

It was the visitors who came close first in the second half. Aaron Wan-Bissaka played a ball across to Diogo Dalot and his shot from the edge of the box crashed off the post. Dalot, like Antony, scored one this fixture last season and came close again. 

Forest then took the lead. Elanga giving the ball to Gonzalo Montiel who spun and played the ball to Argentine teammate Dominguez who found the bottom corner. The midfielder scoring his second goal for Forest and showing why he should keep hold of that starting spot. 

The visitors found an equaliser though with 12 minutes to go after a gift from Matt Turner. The keeper played the ball straight to Alejandro Garnacho who laid the ball off to Rashford and he found the bottom corner to bring the game level. 

Just four minutes later though, Forest were back in front through Gibbs-White. Elanga down the right giving the ball centrally to Gibbs-White who’s first time shot from the edge of the box found the bottom corner. The United fan scoring just his second goal of the season with his performances really picking up since the appointment of Nuno. 

In stoppage time, a big save from Turner denied a United equaliser. A corner routine saw the ball sent to Bruno Fernandes saw his volley deflected and Turner got a strong hand up to his left to top it over the cross bar. A huge save after his earlier error in the game to keep Forest in front. 

That was the final action of the game as Forest picked up another big three points. A first home win since November has seen the Reds move to 15th in the table and five points clear of the relegation zone. A good start for Forest life for Nuno who’s picked up six points from nine since joining the club. It’s cup action next up for the Reds as they host League One side Blackpool where they hope there will be no repeats of last season. A disappointing night for Manchester United as they go back to where they were before the Villa game. The Red Devils sit 7th in the table and they also are in cup action next as they travel to League one side Wigan Athletic. 

Match Report- Newcastle United 1-3 Nottingham Forest. Wood scores hat-trick on Newcastle return.

 It was a memorable afternoon for Nottingham Forest and former Newcastle United man Chris Wood as his hat-trick helped Forest to beat Newcastle 3-1 at St James Park. Wood’s hat-trick completed the turn around after Alexander Isak scored from the spot to put the North East side ahead. It’s just a fourth win of the season for Forest and just a third league away win this calendar year. 

Eddie Howe made two changes from the side that lost away to Luton Town. Former Forest man Jamal Lascelles came dropped out of defence for Sven Botman and Callum Wilson dropped to the bench and was replaced by Isak. Nuno Espírito Santo made six changes from the side that were beat at home by Bournemouth. In form full back pair Harry Toffolo and Neco Williams came out the side as they were replaced by Ola Aina and Gonzalo Montiel. Willy Boly, Orel Mangala, Ryan Yates and Divock Origi also came out the side and were all replaced by Moussa Niakhate, Danilo, Ibrahim Sangare and Callum Hudson-Odoi. 

The visitors came closest to scoring at the start. Morgan Gibbs-White managing to win the ball on the edge of the box with his shot just going wide. A strong start by Forest as Gibbs-White playing in a more central position under Nuno in comparison to where he was playing under Cooper. 

It was Newcastle who took the lead though after 20 minutes. Aina left a leg hanging out which consisted in fouling Isak and the referee pointed to the spot. The man who won it took it and placed the ball under Turner to give the home side the lead. The Swedish striker scoring again against Forest after netting a brace in the two’s last meeting and scoring his eighth goal

of the season in the process. 

If it was for some better decision making, Forest could of been level sooner. Turner’s long kick was headed on by Montiel and sent Anthony Elanga behind the defence. Despite having Chris Wood to his left, the winger took on the shot himself and was denied by Martin Dubravka. Wood clearly furious as if it was squared to him he had an easy chance to bring the game level. 

Just before half time, Forest were level. Gibbs-White breaking through the middle before laying it off to Elanga on the right and he put the ball across for Wood this time as he tapped home from a few yards out. Elanga doing what he could of done earlier in the game and it paid off as former Newcastle man Wood scored to make it goals in back to back games for the Reds. 

That was it for the first half as the sides went in level. Forest with a very promising half as they were causing Newcastle problems. Just some better decision making was needed in the next half. Newcastle saw a lot of the ball but didn’t do much with it and were using wide areas to try and break Forest down. 

Into the second half, Forest took the lead. Elanga the provider again as he managed to send a ball in behind for Wood who beat his man and found the far corner from the left side  to put the Reds ahead.

The New Zealand international then got his hat-trick to mark off an incredible afternoon. Murillo sent a long ball over the top which Wood latched onto and rounded the keeper to score. Most people in the stadium thought that he was offside but after VAR checked the goal he was deemed onside and the striker got his seventh of the season. He is the first Forest player to score three in a game since Sam Surridge back in April 2022. 

Not much more happened in the games as Forest claimed their first win since November when they beat another high flying team in Aston Villa. A deserved result for Forest after playing some of their best football since promotion to cloak Nuno’s first victory in charge. For now the Reds move up to 16th in the table ahead of all the other Premier League games. The Reds next host Manchester United where they will look for back ti back wins for the first time this season. Newcastle continue a poor run of form with back to back loses in the league. They sit 7th in the league ahead of all the other Premier League games with a trip to Liverpool up next. 

Match Report- Nottingham Forest 2-3 AFC Bournemouth. Solanke seals hat-trick as Nuno falls to first defeat.

 An entertaining encounter for Nuno Espirito Santo’s first game in charge of Nottingham Forest saw his side lose 3-2 at home to an inform Afc Bournemouth. Anthony Elanga and Chris Wood scored for the home side but a hat-trick by Dominic Solanke stoke the show as Bournemouth claimed a fourth straight away win. 

Santo made two changes from the side that Steve Cooper fielded in his final game in charge against Tottenham Hotspur.  Senegal pair Moussa Niakhate and Cheikhou Kouyate came out the side for forwards  Wood and Divock Origi as the new head coach looked for an attacking side. Andoni Iraola made two changes from the side that started the cancelled match with Luton Town. Milos Kerkez and Justin Kluivert came out the side with Dango Ouattara and Philip Billing coming into the eleven. 

It was Forest who came close early on. Origi making a central from the right before giving the ball to Anthony Elanga who turned and his shot was saved by Neto. Origi making his first home start for the Reds and was having an impact on the game. 

A big moment in the game happened after 23 minutes as Forest went down to ten men. Willy Boly made a tackle but seemingly caught Adam Smith in the end and the defender received his second yellow card and was sent off. Forest furious as it looked like Boly won the ball but no VAR check could have been done as it was a second yellow. 

The ten men having an impact on the game as Bournemouth almost took the lead. Ryan Christie on the right side of the box looked to send a cross in but it made its way on target and was brilliantly clawed out by Matt Turner just on the line. The American given another chance despite his mistake in the Tottenham defeat. 

That was it for the first half as referee Rob Jones was given a large amount of abuse from the Forest faithful. Bournemouth since the red card were trying to double up the wide positions as they filled the box with crosses. Forest struggled since the sending off as they didn’t see much of the ball. Santo made a change at the break with Orel Mangala coming off for Callum Hudson-Odoi. 

It was the side with ten men who got off to the perfect start as Forest took the lead just three minutes into the second half. Wood stole the ball off Alex Scott and poked it through to Elanga who opened his body up and found the far corner. The winger netting his fourth goal of the season and getting the first goal in the Nuno Espírito Santo era. 

That lead was short lived as Bournemouth equalised four minutes later. Marcos Senesi sent a ball into the box which Solanke met with a header that looped over Turner and into the net. A man in serious form and who was always going to be a threat in the air, especially with no Boly on the pitch. 

The away side then took the lead. A short corner routine saw Marcus Tavernier go short and eventually find his way into the box. The ball went up in the air but Forest couldn’t clear with the ball falling to Solanke to score from a few yards out. Poor defending from the home side as Bournemouth, like they did last season, came from behind to take the lead.  

With 15 minutes to go, Forest found an equaliser through a rare occasion. Morgan Gibbs-White sent in a deep corner and Wood was there to head across goal and, with help from a deflection, found the back of the net. Even though there was a big deflection, Wood was given his fourth of the season with Forest showing they had fight in them. 

They almost re took the lead five minutes after the equaliser. Gibbs-White with the ball on the left side of the box and his curling shot to the far post was cleared off the line by Outtara. Forest clearly building momentum from the equaliser. 

The momentum was shattered in stoppage time as Bournemouth found the winning goal. Adam Smith with a cross from a deep position and Solanke got up highest and his header found the back of the net despite Turner getting a hand to it. The Englishman claiming the match ball as he picked up his 12th of the season to break Forest hearts so late in the game. 

That was the final action of the game as Bournemouth keep up this incredible bit of form. The Cherries have now won five of their last six games as todays result moves them to 11th in the table. They next host Fulham on a Boxing Day clash and will look to keep up their form. A much improved performance by Forest despite the defeat and having ten men for a large percentage of the game. Forest remain 17th but are only two points clear. The Reds travel to Newcastle United on Boxing Day where Nuno will be looking to get his first win in charge. 

Match Report: Nottingham Forest 0-1 Everton. McNeil strike sinks Reds.

 

Nottingham Forest have lost back to back home games for the first time this season after losing 1-0 to Everton under the City Ground lights. A second half Dwight McNeil strike keeps the Reds in their poor run of form while the Toffee's claim their first three points since their points deduction was imposed on them.

Steve Cooper made four changes to his side that were defeated by Brighton & Hove Albion in their last outing. Two changes in both midfield and defence as Ola Aina and Moussa Niakhate were replaced by Ivorian duo Serge Aurier and Willy Boly in the defence. The double switch in midfield saw the return of Ibrahim Sangare from illness as he replaced Danilo and Ryan Yates came in for Nicolas Dominguez. Sean Dyche only made the one change from his side that lost at home to Manchester United. Portuguese forward Beto replaced the injured Dominic Calvert-Lewin. There was a starting spot for former Forest loan hero James Garner who was part of the promotion winning squad.

It was the away side who came close to scoring first. Forest keeper Odisseas Vlachodimos struggled to deal with a high ball into the box with the ball falling to Beto who could not keephis shot down. It looked like a certain opener for the Toffe's and would have been much needed for Beto as he only has one goal to his name since joining from Italian club Udinese.

Forest then had a chance of their own. After Morgan Gibbs-White played the ball back to Aurier, the defender sent the ball into the box with it coming all the way to Anthony Elanga at the back post but his half volley went just wide. The Swede looking to keep up his form in front of goal after scoring in his last two games.

Then Everton came extremely close to taking the lead if it wasn't for some brilliant thinking from Murillo. After Abdoulaye Doucoure found McNeil free on the left, the winger went though and got his shot off past Vlachodimos but Murillo got back to clear it off the line. Another chance that looked certain to find the back of the net but the impressive young Brazilian with some smart thinking to keep it 0-0.

That was it for the first half with Everton being the better of the two sides. Forest were really struggling as they kept losing the ball cheaply which meant Everton could just put constant pressure on them. The Blues just needed to find that finishing touch in the second half. Forest did make a change at the break with Boly being replaced by Felipe for the popular Brazilian to make his first appearance since May.

The visitors then took the lead after 67 minutes. Jack Harrison sending in the ball from the right which found McNeil at the back post and the Englishman composed himself before smashing the ball into the opposite side of the goal. A first goal of the season for the former Burnley man and it was a goal that was coming as Forest did not pick their performance up.

Forest did come close to equalising towards the end. Substitute Chris Wood giving the ball to Elanga and his first time shot from the edge of the box curled just wide of the target.

That was the final action of the game as Everton pick up a big three points up on the road. Forest with a very disappointing night and were booed off by the supporters with them not being happy about the performance. The Reds sit 15^th in the table six points clear of Everton in 18^th. They next travel to the capital in midweek to face Fulham where a better performance will be needed. Everton take a step closer to getting out the bottom three with there now being a two point gap between them and Luton Town. They next host Newcastle in midweek where they will want to build on this win at Forest.

Match Report: Fulham 5-0 Nottingham Forest. Fantastic Fulham thump broken Forest.

 

A memorable night under the Craven Cottage lights for Fulham fans saw their side sweep aside a poor Nottingham Forest with the score ending up 5-0. Tom Cairney's late strike added to braces from Alex Iwobi and Raul Jimenez as Forest's wretched form continues.

Marco Silva made four changes to his side that lost late on to Liverpool 4-3 just a couple days before. Tim Ream, Kenny Tete, Harrison Reed and Harry Wilson all came out the side with Tosin Adarabioyo, Timothy Castagne, Cairney and Willian replacing them. Adarabioyo making his first start of the season for the Whites. Steve Cooper made five changes to his side after the disappointing night at home to Everton. Serge Aurier, Willy Boly, Ryan Yates, Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood all dropped out as some familiar faces returned. Felipe made his first start since May with Ola Aina and Nicolas Dominguez returning to the side. Callum Hudson-Odoi and Divock Origi came into the side also.

Fulham almpst got the ball rolling 25 minutes into the game. An Andreas Pereira went over the wall and cannoned of the post and out for a goal kick. The home side showing early threatening signs of what they can produce with the Brazilian looking for his first goal since August.

Fulham did have the ball in the back of the net though just five minutes later to take the lead. Ibrahim Sangare gave away the ball with it eventually finding Willian on the left who whipped the ball to the back post for Iwobi to latch onto it and score, A brilliant cross matched by the finish as the Nigerian got his second goal of the season.

The home side then doubled their advantage just two minutes later. Pereira managing to pole the ball between the Forest defence and Jimenez got onto it and powered his shot into the roof of the net to make it 2-0 to the Whites. The Mexican piling more misery on Forest as the game looked out of reach for the Reds already.

That was it for the first half as yet again Forest produced a bleak showing. Fulham on top for the first 45 as the scoreline showed and were being clinical with their chances. The away side struggling to create chances and, as they did in the Everton fixture, they kept losing the ball cheaply. Cooper did make a double change at half time with Sangare and Dominguez going off for Yates and Gibbs-White.

Confidence clearly flowing as the host's made it 3-0 ten minutes into the second half. Pereira the provider again as he sent a long ball forward where Jimenez brought it down as he shrugged off Aina, rounded the keeper and back heeled into the back off the net. A goal that probably summed up a dismal evening by the Thames for Forest as Jimenez got his brace and his third goal of the season.

Fulham then got their fourth. Substitute and former Derby County man Wilson received the ball inside the box and fizzed it across to Iwobi at the back post and he netted his second of the night. The former Arsenal and Everton man having an eventful evening by the Thames and finally starting to build on some form.

The home side then wrapped up their evening as Forest fan Cairney netted the White's fifth of he evening. Yates lost the ball in midfield and Cairney and Pereria played a one-two and the captain slotted past Vlachodimos to make it 5-0. Pereria the provider yet again on what proved to be a great night for him and Cairney scoring past his boyhood club would of only boosted his confidence.

That was it for the game as Fulham breezed past a hopeless Forest. Another high scoring fixture for Marco Silva's side after the 4-3 defeat at Liverpool and it is one to be proud of. The Result pushes them to 12^th in the table before they host West Ham United where they will look for another high level perform. Forest will feel embarrassed after the nights showings with the result only putting pressure on Steve Cooper, who got massive appreciation by the Forest faithful after the game. The result drops the Reds to 16^th in the table and are now six points clear of the bottom three with a trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers on the cards next in which could be a huge game for Cooper.

Match Report- Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-1 Nottingham Forest. Toffolo scores first Premier League goal as Reds pick up point on the road.

 Nottingham Forest picked up a point in the right direction after drawing with Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-1 at Molineux. Matheus Cunha struck to cancel out a Harry Toffolo opener as Forest pick up a first away point since October and Wolves end up with an unbeaten week at home. 

Gary O’Neill made one change to the side that beat Burnley in the week. Jose Sa made a return from injury and replaced the reliable Dan Bentley as he was looking for back to back home wins. Steve Cooper made seven changes from the side that were rolled over by Fulham. Odisseas Vlachodimos, Ola Aina, Felipe, Nicolas Dominguez, Ibrahim Sangare, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Divock Origi all dropped our and were replaced by Matt Turner, Neco Williams, Willy Boly, Moussa Niakhate, Cheikhou Kouyate, Ryan Yates and Morgan Gibbs White as Cooper demanded a response. 

A quarter of an hour into the game, Forest took the lead. After the Reds won the ball in the Wolves half, Williams sent in a cross and was met by his wing back partner Harry Toffolo who’s header went over the line. A first Forest goal for the left back who has been one of the Reds only shine of light as of late to give Cooper a big lead in the West Midlands. 

Wolves equalised though just after the half hour mark. Mario Lemina playing a ball behind the defence for Pablo Sarabia who pulled the ball for Matheus Cunha who found the net from close range. The Brazilian loving life with that now being his fifth game running in which he has had a goal involvement. 

It was Forest who came closest to scoring before the interval. Kouyate showing a burst of energy and winning the ball off Kilman and went through on goal but was denied by Sa. A first start for the Senegal international since August and was looking to mark it with a goal. 

That was it for the first half as the sides went in level. Wolves dominating in terms of possession but both sides were struggling for chances. Disappointing for Forest to go in front and end up losing that lead but it was a taste of familiar feeling for the side with one away win to their name. 

Forest came close to taking the lead through the same link up that scored the opening goal. Williams picking up the ball from an over hit cross and sent it back in and in came a flying Toffolo who’s header from close range just went over. Williams probably showing why he should be starting more often after a very good performance from the Wales international. 

Cunha came close to picking up his second of the game. After winning the bull of Murillo, the former Athletico Madrid forward got into the box and his shot was well saved by Turner down low. Forest keeper Turner marking his first appearance since his blunder at Liverpool due to the form of Vlachodimos. 

I’m the end, the match ended level as no team could find that winning goal. Wolves not at their best this afternoon and would of seen it as an opportunity missed due to the visitors form. Wanderers sit 12th in the table and next travel to an inform West Ham United. Forest get a much needed point and could have eased the pressure on Cooper but the Reds are 16th in the table with the point gap now five ahead of 18th place Luton Town. The Reds next host Tottenham Hotspur under the City Ground lights on Friday.