Nottingham Forest survived a late scare to maneuver stage on factors with Arsenal in second with a 3-2 win on the Metropolis Floor towards Premier League strugglers Southampton.
Solely objective distinction separates the 2 groups following one other essential win for Forest, who held on after conceding a second in damage time, in contrast to the Gunners who squandered a two-goal result in Aston Villa on Saturday.
Two gorgeous first-half finishes from Elliot Anderson and Callum Hudson-Odoi, earlier than Chris Wooden helped himself to his 14th objective of the season, regarded to have put Forest within the driving seat till a frantic closing half-hour.
Jan Bednarek guided Lesley Ugochukwu’s shot over the top of Matz Sels within the sixtieth minute and the deficit was then lowered to only one objective after Paul Onuachu climbed off the bench to internet a second in damage time.
Following a prolonged VAR delay to substantiate Bednarek’s objective and rule out Nikola Milenkovic’s fourth for Forest, 12 minutes have been added on – 720 seconds that felt like a lifetime for the house crowd.
Nevertheless, propped up by the resilient defence and a goal-line clearance from Ola Aina, Forest’s lead remained intact.
Their desires of Champions League soccer are actually solidified with the win, whereas Southampton’s probabilities of survival are lower thinner as they continue to be 10 factors adrift of security.
Nuno: Southampton was a warning
Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo:
“We have been talking about how competitive this league is. You can never think the game is over. Credit to Southampton, the way they created so many problems.
“We began rather well and all of it turned simpler. The second half starting was good nevertheless it was actually unusual. Numerous stoppages and VAR choices. It did not actually circulation.
“We did not manage the situation so well. Delighted to win the game. It was a warning. There are so many things we should improve. We know our weaknesses and strengths.”
Juric: Once we are like this, we’re aggressive
Southampton boss Ivan Juric:
“We did not play with intensity or energy. The first goal was really bad. Really disappointed after the big game against [Manchester] United that we played the first half at that level.
“Second half we had extra vitality and scored two objectives. It was the group I need to watch.
“For the first time against United, I thought it was my team. The last 40 minutes today, I saw what I wanted to see. When we were like this we are competitive.”
Forest present either side vs Saints
Sky Sports activities’ Patrick Rowe:
How shortly soccer video games can change.
To scoring three objectives from an anticipated objectives worth of simply 0.28 xG, to holding on by the narrowest of margins in added time.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s aspect confirmed either side of their recreation as we speak – and that’s precisely why they now sit stage on factors with Arsenal in second.
Their attacking play speaks for itself, as displayed by the emphatic ending within the first half, however they secured all three factors because of their stoic defensive efficiency within the latter levels of the sport.
With strain mounting and Southampton trying harmful with each assault, the squad banded collectively and dragged themselves over the road.
Forest are the true deal and so they owe a whole lot of that to their dedication on the defensive finish.
Southampton have to play for 90-minutes
Sky Sports activities’ Patrick Rowe:
Like they did towards United, Southampton confirmed sufficient promise and risk in injury-time to stroll away with a consequence as we speak.
Southampton’s Paul Onuachu celebrates scoring his aspect’s second objective of the sport
If that they had performed with the identical intent all through your entire 90 minutes, they’d not be strolling away empty-handed – as Juric accurately identified.
Nevertheless, like relegation rivals Leicester, the Saints are failing to piece optimistic performances all through your entire recreation, and finally it might find yourself being their downfall.
Juric will study extra about his squad as time goes on however one factor is obvious – they regarded extra threatening with the goal man Paul Onuachu, who scored his first Premier League objective as we speak, main the road.
“He has this quality,” Juric mentioned. “He is a fighter and very good with the head. He will be very good for us and very happy for him.”
