Nottingham Forest climbed out of the relegation zone as they secured a massive three points with a dramatic 4-3 victory over Southampton.
After a slow start which included a couple of warning shots from Che Adams, the Reds broke the deadlock. Two goals in three minutes from Taiwo Awoniyi put them in a good position.
The first, in the 18th minute, was a lovely move. Danilo played a peach of a pass to Brennan Johnson, whose first-time cross was swept home with aplomb.
READ MORE: How the action unfolded at the City Ground
READ MORE: Cooper names Forest team to face Southampton
The second was a superb finish, too. Danilo teed up Awoniyi with a flick as Forest applied pressure in the box, and the striker volleyed past Alex McCarthy on the turn.
Sloppiness at the back saw Southampton cut the deficit just four minutes later, through Carlos Alcaraz. But the two-goal cushion was restored just before the break.
Johnson was felled by Ainsley Maitland-Niles and referee Michael Oliver quickly pointed to the spot. Morgan Gibbs-White coolly thumped the ball down the middle to make it 3-1.
Any hope Reds fans had of a nerve-free second 45 minutes quickly went out of the window, though. Lyanco headed in from a corner in the 50th minute to make it 3-2.
But Danilo netted with 15 minutes to go. Felipe thought he had made it five, but a VAR check ruled it out for offside. There was still time for late drama in added time as James Ward-Prowse pulled another one back from the spot. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the City Ground.
Keylor Navas: A little nervy at times, but then the back line was the same. Defending set-pieces continues to be an Achilles’ heel. Rating: 6/10
Serge Aurier: It wouldn’t be Forest if they didn’t get through a game without an injury, would it? Had tried to provide a calm head before being forced off with a knock. Rating: 8/10
Felipe: A colossus at the back. Again. Started as he meant to go on by making a big block in the first few minutes. A real shame his goal (and celebration) was ruled out. Rating: 8.5/10
Moussa Niakhate: Defence didn’t always have it easy as Southampton applied pressure and refused to go away. It was certainly tense at times. Rating: 8/10
Renan Lodi: Required a bit of treatment before going off, but hopefully nothing too serious. Had done his best to push forward when he could. Rating: 8/10
Danilo: He’s going to be something special. Has come on leaps and bounds in recent weeks and is really showing what he’s about. A joy to watch in this kind of form. Rating: 9/10
Orel Mangala: Showed some nice touches and got stuck in when he needed to. Had to dig in amid a game which was not short on drama. Rating: 8/10
Ryan Yates: Having him back for the run-in is a huge boost. As committed a display as you’d expect from the skipper as he added a bit of drive to the midfield. Rating: 8/10
Morgan Gibbs-White: Nerveless from the spot. Took that penalty so well. Followed that up with an exquisite touch to set up Danilo for Forest’s fourth. Rating: 8.5/10
Brennan Johnson: Gave Southampton plenty of problems with his pace, including winning the penalty in the first half and setting up the first with a dangerous cross. Rating: 8/10
Taiwo Awoniyi: A couple of superb finishes to take his tally to seven for the season. The second - a volley on the turn - was outstanding. Good to see him back in form. Rating: 8.5/10
Subs
Joe Worrall (for Aurier, 64mins): Did his bit for the cause by playing out of position. Rating: 7.5/10
Cheikhou Kouyate (for Yates, 70mins): Chipped in as the hosts survived a nervy finish. Rating: 7.5/10
Sam Surridge (for Awoniyi, 80mins): Looked a very soft decision to give the penalty against him, for a foul on Romeo Lavia. Rating: 7.5/10
Harry Toffolo (for Lodi, 80mins): Helped out as Forest hung on at the end. Rating: 7.5/10
Willy Boly (for Johnson, 81mins): A big plus to have him back fit. He’ll be needed in the remaining games. Rating: 7.5/10
Subs not used: Hennessey, Lingard, Freuler, Ayew.
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