Nottingham Forest has achieved yet another milestone by extending their winning streak to six consecutive Premier League victories after decisively beating Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-0 at Molineux Stadium on January 6, 2025. This remarkable achievement carries extra significance, as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of the legendary Brian Clough's appointment as Forest's manager, illuminating the club's long-standing heritage.
After struggling early on, Forest struck first with Morgan Gibbs-White netting his fourth goal of the season just seven minutes in. The 24-year-old, who previously played for the Wolves, celebrated emphatically by putting his fingers to his ears facing the vociferous home crowd, effectively silencing their taunts. This was not only his response to the fans, but also the culmination of well-orchestrated counter-attacking football, which Forest managed beautifully throughout the match.
Gibbs-White’s goal came after he ran approximately 40 yards unchallenged, exchanging passes with teammates Anthony Elanga before shooting home from 14 yards with the aid of a slight deflection. At the helm, Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo lauded Gibbs-White’s contribution, stating, “It means a lot, every time he scores it’s important. He has different feelings when playing against Wolves, and I know he is forever thankful to Wolves. We need him to score.”
Wolves, on the other hand, started strong, incorporating high-press tactics and creating numerous goal-scoring opportunities. Their Norwegian striker Jørgen Strand Larsen was pivotal but failed to capitalize on two golden chances to level the game. The Forest defense, anchored by goalkeeper Matz Sels, proved impenetrable, with Sels executing incredible saves to maintain their lead.
Just before halftime, Forest doubled their lead with another excellent goal; former Wolves player Chris Wood scored, showing why he is dubbed one of the best finishers against this club. Callum Hudson-Odoi, who provided the assist, skillfully sidestepped defenders on the left before squarely passing to Wood, who swept the ball effortlessly past Wolves’ goalkeeper José Sá, marking his twelfth goal of the season.
Entering the second half with a comfortable lead, Nottingham Forest remained strategically patient, opting to absorb pressure from Wolves and look for opportunities to counter. Their tactical discipline allowed them to control the game effectively, with efforts from Wolves continuously thwarted by Sels, which included reflex saves off shots from Hwang Hee-chan and later from Strand Larsen.
Despite strong performances from Wolves, including fervent appeals for penalties by the home fans, the team could not break through. A controversial VAR decision saw their pleas for handball waved off when Aït-Nouri’s arm was deemed to be naturally positioned. Such decisions could have pivoted the game, but Forest maintained focus and discipline.
Forest finished the match emphatically with Taiwo Awoniyi’s goal during stoppage time, sealing their 3-0 victory with the perfect counterattack. The electric atmosphere post-match underscored the joy within the Nottingham Forest camp, reflecting on their best run of results since the late 1970s. Awoniyi's late goal, set up by James Ward-Prowse, capped off what was already seen as yet another premier performance by Forest.
With these results, Nottingham Forest now sits just six points behind league leaders Liverpool, setting the stage for what could be a thrilling title race as they prepare to face them at the City Ground next week. Gibbs-White expressed his ambitions and focus, saying, "We’re just taking each training session as it come and see where it gets us. It would be absolutely incredible [to qualify for the Champions League], first and foremost just for the fans.”
Wolverhampton Wanderers, meanwhile, face turmoil as they hover dangerously close to the relegation zone, having suffered their first defeat under newly appointed coach Vitor Pereira. Pereira noted, “One of those games where you feel like the result could’ve been the other way. Teams are ruthless, and we made mistakes which were punished.”
Nottingham Forest's recent performances signal not only persistence and resilience but also highlight their potential resurgence as contenders for European football once again. This historic victory against Wolves is just another step toward rekindling the glory days of this iconic club, firmly linking their aspirations to the legacy and inspiration of Brian Clough. Forest's strides this season could very well mark the dawn of significant competitive reclamation and success.