Taiwo Awoniyi scored a brace to help Nottingham Forest produce one of the high-scoring football scores of the weekend in the Premier League. Taiwo Awoniyi scored twice in the first half under pressure after Everton’s unexpected victory, and even though Carlos Alcaraz pulled a goal back, Morgan Gibbs-White’s penalty seemed to put an end to any chance of a comeback by restoring Forest’s two-goal advantage. Instead, the drama lasted into the second half as Lyanco, a replacement, scored with a header. But after a lovely flick from Gibbs-White, Danilo scored as Southampton pushed for an equalizer. The punishment imposed by James Ward-Prowse was too little, too late. Due to the outcome, Steve Cooper’s team now sits three points above the safety zone in 16th place, ahead of Everton, Leicester, and Leeds, with 33 points. With only three games remaining, Southampton under Ruben Selles is currently eight points from safety, and their future is all but certain.
Nottingham Forest had a shaky beginning and required Felipe’s excellent block to deny Che Adams early on, but the game turned when Brennan Johnson scored the game’s first goal on a lightning-quick counterattack. After sprinting to catch Danilo’s pass, the striker squared the ball for Awoniyi to beat Alex McCarthy in goal with a first-time finish. The Nigerian international scored his first goal for the team since January, and just as Southampton appeared to be crumbling, he added a second.
The ball was forced through by Danilo once again as it popped up wonderfully for Awoniyi to drive home on the turn. At that point, there was no longer any tension within the stadium, and the City Ground was rocking. However, a second later, a reminder of their frailty restored the equilibrium. Stuart Armstrong capitalized on an errant pass from the otherwise outstanding Gibbs-White, centering the ball for Alcaraz to score. The Saints were prepared to do everything to defeat Forest because they were so determined to win. A sketch wasn’t much use. Unfortunately, they were unable to keep the rear door shut. Johnson kept taking advantage of the space he had in behind and was fouled by Ainsley Maitland-Niles as he attempted to clear the ball.
If Forest supporters had been anticipating a calm second half, those hopes were crushed when Brazilian defender Lyanco headed in a corner from James Ward-Prowse. However, Gibbs-White’s deft touch at the opposite end provided Danilo with the ball and appeared to conclude the game. not in this game. Due to offside, Felipe had a goal disallowed. In stoppage time, Ward-Prowse again cut the deficit to one goal when Sam Surridge clipped Romeo Lavia inside the area. Beyond the 100-minute mark, Forest was still holding on, but they succeeded. The match encapsulated Southampton’s season: there were much potential and positive signals, but the Premier League can be harsh, and their defensive frailties were shown. In crucial situations, Forest shows more strength and nuance.
“The victory was what mattered most. An exhilarating game. It’s not really the right moment to pull it apart. Just thought we had some pretty strong attacking moments, especially with the goals we scored, our quick breakouts, and our quality,” Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper said. “We also learned from our errors. I had a feeling there would be mistakes made that night, and our goals conceded on occasion did not exactly reflect well on us. But we remained steadfastly together, and that is what enabled us to succeed.”
“We came here with a well-thought-out strategy for how to do it, and in my opinion, we controlled the first phase of the game,” Southampton boss Ruben Selles said. “In just three minutes, we conceded two goals. Although it is difficult to get back in the game, the lads gave it their all to score the first goal and then the second. We were on the verge of returning. Today, it simply wasn’t enough. We were prepared to go there and perform, but for whatever reason, some details—facts about us—went against us. That hurts because, with just a little improvement, we could be in a much better place.”
For more football scores, click here
