Nottingham Forest secured an emphatic 3-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux Stadium on January 6, 2025, continuing their impressive run of form this season. The match unfolded as sharply as one could hope for the visitors, who now find themselves firmly entrenched in the upper echelons of the Premier League table.
The victory was marked by standout performances, particularly from Morgan Gibbs-White, who opened the scoring early on, netting the first goal just seven minutes after kickoff. Displaying calm under pressure, the English international slotted the ball smoothly past Wolves goalkeeper José Sá, following a precision assist from Anthony Elanga. 'That's how you want to start,' Forest fans might have thought as their side surged with early momentum.
Chris Wood doubled Forest's lead just before halftime, tapping home from close range after Callum Hudson-Odoi delivered an expertly timed cut-back. This two-goal cushion allowed Forest to settle slightly but still retained the anxiety of possible Wolves comeback attempts. The potent strike duo of Jorgen Strand Larsen and Hwang Hee-chan featuring for Wolves spelled danger, yet both were kept at bay by the resolute Forest defense.
Following the match, the discussion quickly turned to a moment of contention—the potential penalty awarded to Forest when Ola Aina's cross struck the arm of Rayan Ait-Nouri. Loud appeals from the traveling supporters palpably filled the air, igniting debate among pundits. Referee Peter Banks reviewed the incident via VAR but chose not to award the spot-kick.
Michael Owen and Martin O'Neill, during halftime analysis, found themselves embroiled in disagreement concerning the decision. Owen believed the right call had been made, asserting, 'I personally think it was the right decision. I mean his arm isn't in an unnatural position; it's right by his side, okay, he hits it hard.' He maintained the stance many supporters have adopted this season about VAR’s handling of similar situations.
O'Neill, on the other hand, took the opposite view, stating, 'Having seen the replay, I thought I would not be surprised had it been as a penalty.' His remarks highlighted the contentious nature of decisions and the fine margins at play within high-profile matches.
Despite the incident, Forest’s third goal came via Taiwo Awoniyi, who found the net with time running out, capping off the visitors' remarkable efficiency. Awoniyi converted from close range, following yet another assist, this time from James Ward-Prowse, sealing the deal for Forest against their Midlands rivals.
Manager Nuno Espirito Santo praised the performance of his players post-match. 'It feels good. We work very hard to achieve what we have,' he stated emphatically. Nuno was quick to praise goalkeeper Matz Sels, who he credited with preserving their lead during the early stages of the match. 'Wolves had chances, and Matz Sels was amazing to keep us in the game,' he said, expressing pride at his team's work ethic.
Looking beyond the victory, Nuno emphasized the necessity of humility and diligence. 'It's very tough competition. We need to stay humble. We haven't achieved anything yet,' he urged, reminding all of the challenges they will face as they inch closer to the Premier League's climax.
Meanwhile, Wolverhampton, under the management of Vitor Pereira, still seeks to find their foothold. The absence of Matheus Cunha due to suspension came as a significant blow, and the side struggled to match Forest’s pace, even as they tried to retain confidence under their newly adopted style. 'We wanted to show confidence and turn out top performances,’ Pereira remarked before the match, but the reality delivered was starkly contrasting.
This powerful win propels Nottingham Forest to continue their charge toward the top, leaving them just six points behind leaders Liverpool. With their next match against Luton Town and then hosting Liverpool on the horizon, the stakes will undoubtedly rise. Fans are left to ponder whether Forest can maintain this momentum as they battle some of the league’s finest.