Taiwo Awoniyi’s goal ensured Nottingham Forest retained their Premier League status with a game to spare as they beat Arsenal 1-0.
With Everton drawing earlier in the day, the hosts knew a win would see them safe. And they got off to the perfect start, taking the lead with 19 minutes gone.
The Gunners had seen the majority of the ball in the opening exchanges, and had fired a couple of warning shots through Gabriel Jesus. But a lovely counterattack saw the Reds take the lead.
Morgan Gibbs-White picked up on a loose ball and looked to play it through to Taiwo Awoniyi. Gabriel Magalhaes made the interception, but the clearance bounced off the Forest front man to make it 1-0.
READ MORE: How the action unfolded at the City Ground
READ MORE: Cooper names Forest team to face Arsenal
Leandro Trossard and Jesus both had chances for the visitors before the break but failed to take advantage. And it could have been 2-0 soon after the restart, only for a Felipe effort to be deflected behind.
Keylor Navas thwarted Bukayo Saka, before Gibbs-White spurned a great chance by hitting the side-netting at the opposite end. But Forest held out to claim the win they needed. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the City Ground.
Keylor Navas: Perfect timing to keep a clean-sheet. Was there when he needed to be to keep the Gunners at bay. A shame to see him forced off with injury. Rating: 8.5/10
Serge Aurier: Experience was a huge asset in such a high-pressure game. Stood strong defensively and made some promising runs when he got chance. Rating: 9/10
Joe Worrall: What a moment, being captain as survival was secured. Deservedly kept his place in the side as Forest stuck with what worked at Chelsea. Played very well, too. Rating: 9/10
Felipe: Fear not, the haircut didn’t diminish his superpower - although maybe he would have scored soon after the break had he kept the ponytail. What a signing he’s been. Rating: 9/10
Moussa Niakhate: Had every right to complain to the referee as he walked off at half-time after a very harsh booking for time-wasting. Arsenal the latest team to struggle with those long throws. Rating: 9/10
Renan Lodi: Wasn’t too far off getting on the scoresheet with a decent effort. Certainly played his part defensively as Arsenal were limited to minimal chances. Rating: 9/10
Danilo: Tried to carry on for as long as he could after picking up an injury, but looked in real discomfort as he limped off. Had linked up nicely with Mangala a couple of times. Rating: 8/10
Orel Mangala: Got through a heck of a lot of work in the centre of the pitch. Made some big tackles as he helped protect the back line. Another excellent display. Rating: 9/10
Ryan Yates: If ever 30 seconds summed up the midfielder it was when he won a free-kick at the second attempt deep into the second half, then turned to the Trent End to gee the crowd up. A proper warrior. Rating: 9/10
Morgan Gibbs-White: Twice was alert enough to pounce on a loose ball - setting up Awoniyi on the first occasion, then spurned a big chance by hitting the side-netting later on. Always looked bright. Rating: 9/10
Taiwo Awoniyi: Massive goal from the front man, the one which clinched safety. Ending the season in fine form, getting on the scoresheet for the third game in a row. Rating: 9/10
Subs
Cheikhou Kouyate (for Danilo, 72mins): Stuck to his task as the Reds got over the line. Rating: 8/10
Brennan Johnson (for Awoniyi, 79mins): Fresh legs gave Arsenal something to think about late on. A big call to leave him out of the XI, but vindicated by the result. Rating: 8/10
Willy Boly (for Felipe, 79mins): Came on and did a job in the closing minutes. A big presence at the back. Rating: 8/10
Wayne Hennessey (for Navas, 90+9): Saw out the final moments. Rating: 8/10
Subs not used: Toffolo, Surridge, Freuler, Dennis, Ayew.
How would you rate the Reds? Have your say in the comments below
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