Match Report: Manchester City 2-0 Nottingham Forest. Reds defeated by two early City goals.

 

Manchester City kept up their 100% record in the Premier League after beating Nottingham Forest 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium. Two goals within the opening 15 minutes from Phil Foden and Erling Haaland was enough for the champions despite a red card to Rodrigo at the start of the second half. Forest fall to a third defeat in the league but managed to keep City out more in comparison to the 6-0 defeat last season.

Pep Guardiola made one change from the last league game against West Ham United in which they won 3-1. Bernardo Silva came out the side for Portuguese teammate Matheus Nunes as the summer signing from Wolverhampton Wanderers made his first start since arriving at the champions of Europe. Steve Cooper made five changes to his side that drew 1-1 to Burnley. Nicolas Dominguez made his first start since his deadline day switch from Bologna. Nuno Tavares, Willy Boly, Serge Aurier and Moussa Niakhate also came into the side.

It took the hosts just seven minutes to take the lead and it was England international Foden who struck home. Rodri sent a diagonal ball behind the defence that Kyle Walker got onto the end of and he played it back first time for Foden who found the bottom corner. The 23 year old opening his account for the new season in style as Forest could barely get hold of the ball.

City doubled their lead seven minutes later through last seasons golden boot winner Haaland. Some nice quick flowing football on the right side sent Nunes behind the defence and he chipped the ball into the Norwegian who had a free header to secure his seventh league goal in five games. The striker looking to replicate his 36 league goal tally from last season while netting his fourth goal against Cooper's side.

2-0 was the score at the interval as it was the home side who dominated proceedings. Forest really struggled to get hold of the ball so could not create any chances but were staying resilient at the back to keep the score down.

The second half started off fiery with a red card being shown to Manchester City midfielder Rodri. An incident with Morgan Gibbs-White in the corner flag saw the Spain international grab the Forest star round the neck which was seen as violent conduct and he was sent off. The midfielder seen as a key part in the City team and is deemed as one of the best midfielder in the world but it was a poor moment for the former Athletico Madrid man.

Despite the sending off, the home side came close to adding a third goal. Walker's quick free kick found Nathan Ake on the left side of the box and he sent a ball across to Haaland who blazed over from close range. Despite the amount of goals he has scored, the striker has missed some big chances so far this season with this being added to the list.

Forest did threaten in stoppage time. Gibbs-White's lofted pass came to substitute Anthony Elanga and his low volley was brilliantly saved by Ederson. Elanga looking to find the net away from home again after scoring the winner at Chelsea before the Burnley fixture.

That was the final action of the game as City picked up another three points. Their performance level went down after going down to ten men but would be disappointed that they could not add more. Guardiola's side next travel to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup Forest saw more of the ball in the second half but struggled to create chances that were clear cut. Dominguez impressed on his debut and will be looking to keep his place in the side for the visit of Brentford for their first game in October.

Match Report: Chelsea 0-1 Nottingham Forest. Reds grab first away win since January.

 

Nottingham Forest secured their first away win of the season after beating Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge. Anthony Elanga's first Forest goal early in the second half gave the Reds a first away win since beating Southampton 1-0 in January. After another window of heavy spending by Chelsea, it was a disappointing afternoon for the Blues as they struggled to get past a resilient Forest.

Mauricio Pochettino made no changes from the last league outing in where they beat newly promoted Luton Town 3-0. There was a place on the bench for deadline day signing Cole Palmer after his big money move from champions Manchester City. Steve Cooper was forced to make one change from Forest's league defeat to Manchester United. Orel Mangala came back into the side replacing Brennan Johnson who completed a move to Tottenham Hotspur on deadline day. The same day as the Johnson departure saw Forest complete seven signings with one of them, Nuno Tavares, named on the substitute bench.

The first close effort of the match came Chelsea's way. Mangala with a poor clearance that saw Conor Gallagher pick up the ball and he bended his shot just wide to the right of Matt Turner. The English midfielder having a load of interest in the summer but ended up staying at the club where he came through the academy.

Forest then got their first chance of the game. Scott Mckenna headed the ball back into the box which Ryan Yates battle in the air resulting in the ball dropping for Taiwo Awoniyi who blazed his shot over from just a few yards out.

The inform striker came close again minutes later. From a set piece, the ball bounced around in the box before Awoniyi got hold of it and with his back to goal he got a shot of which went just wide. The striker in red hot form and was looking to keep up his goals in consecutive league games up and break the African record.

The sides went in level at the break with the game heading to a draw like both results were last season. Forest setting up in a low block like they normally do and trying to hit Chelsea on the counter. The visitors were forced into a substitute before half time with the injured Danilo making way for Elanga.

That substitute proved vital as three minutes into the second half, Elanga put Forest ahead. Yates' tackle found Awoniyi mid way through the Chelsea half and the striker fed Elanga in behind the defence and he was calm to put the ball into the bottom comer. A first goal in Forest colours for the Swede who is yet to start in the league for the Reds and he will need to keep that goal scoring form up following the Johnson departure.

It was then a head in hands moment for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson eight minutes from time. Raheem Sterling got down the right side and entered the box before pulling the ball across the face of goal for Jackson who put over the bar with an empty net in front of him from a few yards out. A real shock in West London with people questioning about how he didn't score.

Chelsea were left to rue that chance as Nottingham Forest picked up the three points in the final game before the international break. Not the strongest start to the season that Pochettino would of liked after winning one of their four opening league games. Results will need to improve soon after the summer spending spree that saw Palmer Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia arrive at the bridge. The Blues will travel to face Bournemouth once they return from international break. Forest picking up their second league win of the season and first away from home. A great performance from Cooper's side. The manager will need to integrate the other deadline day arrivals as, along with Tavares, Nicolas Dominguez, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Odysseas Vlachodimos. Ibrahim Sangare, Divock Origi and Andrew Omobamidele arrived at the club. They all will be hoping to feature in the home game against Burnley after the international break.

Match Report: Manchester United 3-2 Nottingham Forest. Reds blow 2-0 lead.

 

Manchester United came from behind to beat ten man Nottingham Forest 3-2 at Old Trafford. Goals from Christian Eriksen, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes completed the turn around for Erik Ten Hag's men after early goals by Taiwo Awoniyi and Willy Boly for the away side.

Ten Hag made three changes to his side that suffered defeat at Tottenham Hotspur. Luke Shaw and Mason Mount were lost through injury and were replaced by Diogo Dalot and Eriksen. Alejandro Garnacho was put on the bench as Anthony Martial lead the line. Steve Cooper made two changes to his side that scraped past Sheffield United at the City Ground last week. Orel Mangala was not involved in the match day squad as he dropped out with Neco Williams. Ryan Yates took the Belgian's place with Ola Aina returning from injury to replace Williams.

Like they did against the Blades, Forest got off to the perfect start after two minutes. Morgan Gibbs-White headed on a clearance and sent Awoniyi through one on one with Andre Onana. The forward composed himself and rolled the ball past the former Ajax goal keeper to give Forest the lead. The Nigerian netting in his seventh straight league game which sees him join Mohamed Salah and Emmanuel Adebayor in holding the record for an African player scoring in consecutive Premier League games. A man really on form for the Reds.

That perfect start got even better just two minutes later as Boly doubled the lead for the away side. A Gibbs-White free kick from the right side was met by the defender to net his second goal for Forest since joining from Wolves last summer. A real shock at Old Trafford with just four minutes on the clock with United falling apart.

With 16 minutes played, the hosts began their comeback. Marcus Rashford picked up the ball on the left side following a Matt Turner save and played the ball across the goal to be tapped home by Eriksen from close range. A goal that rewarded United's pressure after going 2-0 behind as they got back into the game.

Forest could of then got a third goal to restore their two goal advantage. Johnson did well to spin away from two players and played a low ball to Gibbs-White who's first time effort was blocked by Forest man Awoniyi. The striker in the wrong place at the wrong time for once as if he wasn't there the ball could of found the back of the net.

It was Forest that went into the break in front but were struggling to build on their lead. The Reds were sitting deep for the majority of the first half trying to protect their lead which meant United saw a lot of the ball and amount pressure on the Forest goal. There was a substitute at the interval by the home side as Victor Lindelof replaced Raphael Varane with the Frenchman struggling to deal with Awoniyi.

Seven minutes into the second half, the home side levelled a game. A free kick routine saw Fernandes drill a ball across to Rashford who looped the ball back to the captain who made a run in behind and he headed across for Casemiro to finish from close range. A well worked routine from United that was helped by poor defending from Forest as the Brazilian midfielder opened his account for the season to level the game.

A save from Matt Turner denied United a quick double. Antony cutting in from the right side and his left footed shot from distance was tipped round the post by the USA international. The keeper making quite the impression since joining from Arsenal in the summer.

Forest were then reduced to ten men as captain Joe Worrall was shown a straight red card. A ball sent over the top sent Fernandes chasing and Worrall pulled him down as he was just getting to the ball and the referee deemed it denial of a clear scoring opportunity. VAR did check the incident but they had no reason to overturn the decision.

Forest's afternoon then got even worse as Danilo gave away a penalty after a foul on Rashford on the left side of the box. Fernandes stood up to the penalty and converted from twelve yards to complete the comeback for the Red Devils. The penalty decision was thought to be a very harsh one by pundits and many fans who saw the incident with contact being very minimal with Danilo also pleading his innocence.

Boly saw a volley saved by Onana late on but other then that Forest struggled to create any clear chances despite pushing for a late equaliser as Manchester United walked away with the three points. A brilliant comeback by Ten Hag's men with this victory easing those that had questioned United's start to the season. It is a tough test up next for United as they travel to the Emirates to face a good Arsenal side who will want to be fighting for top spot again. Despite the scoreline capitulation, it was another encouraging away performance by Cooper's side after causing another top side some problems. The Reds next game is in the Carabao Cup as they host fellow Premier League side Burnley as they will be looking for another cup run after last seasons semi final heartache.

Match Report: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Sheffield United. Late Wood goal earns Reds first win of the season.

 

Chris Wood scored an 89^th minute winner to secure Nottingham Forest their first three points of the season after beating newly promoted Sheffield United 2-1 at The City Ground. His goal cancelled out a Gustavo Hamer equaliser after an early strike from Taiwo Awoniyi as Forest kept up their good home form from last season.

Steve Cooper made two changes to his side that lost 2-1 at Arsenal. Ola Aina, not in the squad, was replaced by Neco Williams and Ryan Yates dropped to the bench and was replaced by Awoniyi. Anthony Elanga remained on the bench despite his promising cameo in the Arsenal defeat. Paul Heckingbottom made two changes from his side that lost to Crystal Palace on the opening day. George Baldock and Chris Basham came out the side for Vinicius Souza and Hamer to come in for their first Premier League starts since arriving to the Blades in the Summer. There was also four former Forest players in the Blademen line up which included Jack Robinson, Anel Ahmedhodzic, Ben Osborn and Max Lowe.

Forest got off to the perfect start as they took the lead after just three minutes. Lowe missed the ball in the middle of the pitch and Johnson picked it up. The Welshman drove the ball out wide before playing it back to Serge Aurier who's cross was headed in by Awoniyi. A second goal of the season for the Nigerian who has now scored eight goals in his last six league games and is becoming a massive asset to Steve Cooper's side.

The Blades went close ten minutes before half time. Osborn's low cross was half cleared by Danilo and the ball came out for Souza who shot from the edge of the box but Matt Turner made a good save up high to his left.

A quiet first half came to an end with Forest in front. The Reds dominated the early stages but the side from Yorkshire were slowly growing into the game. There was a half time substitute from the visitors as Lowe, who was struggling on his return to The City Ground, was replaced by former Liverpool youngster Yasser Larouci.

Just like Forest did in the first half, Sheffield United scored just three minutes after the restart. A corner was cleared only as far as an unmarked Hamer on the edge of the box and he curled the ball into the top right corner to bring the Blades level. A first goal on his Premier League debut after arriving from Championship side Coventry City in the summer and he is already living up to big expectations.

The visitors came close to completing the turn around just three minutes later. Yet again, Forest struggled to clear the ball and it dropped to Souza on the edge of the box and his first time shot went just wide. A feeling of Deja vu for fans in the stadium as the game was playing out very similar to the play off semi final just over a year ago.

The Blades then had a golden opportunity to take the lead. A lack of communication from defenders Joe Worrall and Scott Mckenna saw them go up for the same ball. This sent Benie Traore through one on one but it was Turner who came out on top as he made a great save to deny the forward. Forest were let off and were struggling to deal with the Blades long ball tactic.

Then in the 89^th minute, Forest won the game. The Reds were pushing for a goal and Wood managed to get on the end of another excellent delivery by Aurier to head home the winner in front of the Trent End. Only his second Forest goal but he seems to score the important ones as he netted the equaliser against Manchester City last season.

That goal proved to be the last action of the game as Cooper's men picked up their first victory of the season. Premier League life proving difficult for Sheffield United after losing their opening two games of the season. Despite the loss, the Blades will be happy with their performance as they put Forest under pressure for large parts of the second half. The Blades next host champions Manchester City. A big first win for Forest and one they needed considering the teams they face away from home over the next few week. Awoniyi causing a lot of problems for defenders and if he is lucky with injuries, he could be in for a great season. The Reds next travel to Old Trafford to face top four side Manchester United.

Match Report- Arsenal 2-1 Nottingham Forest. Gunners seal opening day victory.

 

Arsenal will be hoping to challenge for the Premier League title and they got of to the perfect start after beating Nottingham Forest 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium. First half goals from Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka got the North London side over the line despite a late goal by Forest substitute Taiwo Awoniyi.

Mikel Arteta handed new signings Jurrien Timber, Kai Havertz, and Declan Rice their first league starts since arriving in the capital this summer. Brazilian defender Gabriel was left on the bench despite being a key figure in Arsenal's title charge last campaign. Steve Cooper gave two of his three new signings their first start. Matt Turner, who arrived from Arsenal on Wednesday, started between the sticks and Ola Aina started at left wing back. £15 million man Anthony Elanga got a place on the substitute bench. There was also a spot on the bench for midfielder Lewis O'Brien following his loan at DC United last season.

It was the visitors who had the first big chance of the game. A header from Willy Boly looped over the Arsenal defence and set Brennan Johnson through on goal but the young forward could only put his shot wide. The Welshman keen to push on after a successful first season in the top flight and was close to opening his account.

The hosts then took the lead after 26 minutes. Gabriel Martinelli was causing Forest problems down the left side and he was involved in the goal. The Brazilian managed to spin away from two Forest players on the left side of the box while passing across to Nketiah in one move for the Englishman to convert into the far corner. The academy graduate opening his account for the new season and was stepping up in the absence of Gabriel Jesus.

It was 2-0 just six minutes later and it was another academy graduate in Saka who made it two. Morgan Gibbs-White gave away the ball in the corner of the Forest half and the ball was passed across to Saka who curled the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box. The England international looking to improve his tally of 14 goals in the league last season and he got underway in the perfect way. Seems Forest have not got out the habit of capitulating once conceding a first.

New signing Declan Rice came close to making it 3-0. The former West Ham captain had time and space on the edge of the box so he had a go but was denied by recently departed teammate Turner. Forest really struggling to even get out their own half as Arsenal were seeing a lot of the ball.

That was it for the first half and it was looking like it was going to be a long afternoons for Steve Cooper's men. Arsenals relentless pressing causing the Reds to go long which ultimately lost them the ball. Arsenal seemingly not losing their touch from last season and their new signings looking like they have been at the club for ages.

The second half was fairly quiet until the 80^th minute and Turner made a brilliant save to deny Rice again. Saka's cross bounced all the way through to him and his volley was brilliantly saved by Turner up high to his left. The USA international doing really well to keep the score down against his former side.

Forest then opened the game up by scoring their first goal of the season. Substitute Elanga was subbed on for his debut and ran the length of the pitch with the ball before pulling the ball across to fellow substitute Taiwo Awoniyi to convert from close range. The Nigerian scoring the Reds first goal of the season for a second straight season and giving Arsenal a nervy end.

Despite Forest mounting pressure on in the late stages, Arsenal hung on and got their first victory of the season. A big improvement in performance from Forest in the second half with Elanga impressing the travelling support on his debut. Arsenal will be disappointed that they was not able to build on their lead and to keep a clean sheet. A clean sheet was not as easy to come by last season as you would of thought with the club finishing second. Next up for the Gunners is a trip to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace in an evening kick off in South London. Forest will be hoping to get a few incomings over the line before they host Sheffield United on Friday night with the club seemingly interested in bringing in a centre half. Elanga will be looking to start following his impressive end to the game at the Emirates.

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.