N Forest 4 – 3 So’ton
Nottingham Forest moved out of the relegation zone and left Southampton on the brink with an exhilarating 4-3 win on the Metropolis Floor.
Below stress following Everton’s shock win, Taiwo Awoniyi scored twice within the first half and although Carlos Alcaraz pulled one again, Morgan Gibbs-White appeared to have ended any hope of a comeback when his penalty restored Forest’s two-goal lead.
As an alternative, the drama continued into the second half when substitute Lyanco’s header pulled one again. However with Southampton pushing for an equaliser, Danilo transformed after a pleasant flick from Gibbs-White. James Ward-Prowse’s penalty was too little, too late.
The end result strikes Steve Cooper’s aspect above Everton, Leicester and Leeds into sixteenth place on 33 factors, three factors above the drop zone. Ruben Selles’ Southampton at the moment are eight factors from security with solely three video games to play, their destiny all however sealed.
How Forest gained essential sport
It was a nervous begin by Nottingham Forest who wanted a superb block from Felipe to maintain out Che Adams early on however the sport modified with the opening aim, a lightning fast counter-attack that took benefit of the blistering tempo of Brennan Johnson.
The ahead raced onto Danilo’s go and squared the ball for Awoniyi to complete first time previous goalkeeper Alex McCarthy. It was the Nigeria worldwide’s first aim for the membership since January however he had a second inside minutes as Southampton appeared able to implode.
Danilo was concerned once more, forcing the ball by because it popped up properly for Awoniyi to ram dwelling on the flip. The Metropolis Floor was rocking at that time with any stress contained in the stadium gone, however a reminder of their fragility moments later put it again within the steadiness.
A unfastened go from the in any other case magnificent Gibbs-White was seized upon and Stuart Armstrong centred the ball for Alcaraz to fit into the web. With Saints determined for victory, they have been able to throw every little thing at Forest. A draw was of little use.
Sadly for them, they might not hold the again door closed. Johnson continued to benefit from the area in behind and gained a penalty when Ainsley Maitland-Niles caught him whereas attempting to clear. Gibbs-White put the penalty down the center and the gang rejoiced.
James Ward-Prowse reacts throughout Southampton’s loss at Nottingham Forest
If Forest followers have been hoping for a nerveless second half, these goals have been dashed when Brazilian defender Lyanco headed in James Ward-Prowse’s nook. However Gibbs-White’s intelligent contact on the different finish laid the ball on for Danilo and appeared to settle the match.
Not this match. Felipe had a aim disallowed for offside. Sam Surridge clipped Romeo Lavia contained in the field and Ward-Prowse lowered the deficit to 1 aim as soon as extra in stoppage time. Forest have been hanging on past the 100-minute mark however they did it.
The sport summed up Southampton’s season – loads of promise, encouraging indicators – however this Premier League might be merciless and their defensive vulnerability was uncovered. Forest had extra metal and extra subtlety in key moments. It might but hold them up.
What’s next?
Nottingham Forest’s survival mission heads to Chelsea on Saturday Could 13. Kick-off 3pm. They then host Arsenal earlier than ending at Crystal Palace.
Southampton face Fulham at dwelling on Saturday at 3pm earlier than ending their season with a visit to Brighton after which a go to from Liverpool.
Nottingham Forest’s remaining fixtures
Could 13: Chelsea (A) – Premier League, kick-off 3pm
Could 20: Arsenal (H) – Premier League, kick-off 5.30pm
Could 28: Crystal Palace (A) – Premier League, kick-off 4.30pm
Southampton’s remaining fixtures
Could 13: Fulham (H) – Premier League, kick-off 3pm
Could 21: Brighton (A) – Premier League, kick-off 2pm
Could 28: Liverpool (H) – Premier League, kick-off 4.30pm
Forest 4-3 Saints – Opta stats
- Nottingham Forest scored 4 targets for the primary time of their final 137 Premier League video games, since a 4-1 win in opposition to Wimbledon in November 1995.
- Morgan Gibbs-White is the primary participant to register 5 or extra targets and 5 or extra assists for Nottingham Forest in a single Premier League season since Ian Woan and Steve Stone in 1995-96.
- Danilo is the primary Nottingham Forest participant to attain in three consecutive Premier League appearances since Dougie Freedman in March 1999.
- Southampton are with out a win in 10 Premier League video games after successful two of their first three underneath Ruben Selles.
- Southampton have conceded 4 or extra targets in 5 league video games this season, extra typically than in some other Premier League marketing campaign.
- James Ward-Prowse has scored 30 mixed penalty and direct free-kick targets within the Premier League, second solely to Harry Kane (33) since his debut marketing campaign within the competitors of 2012-13.
