Nottingham Forest's remarkable ascent up the Premier League table continued as they secured a 2-0 away victory against Everton on Sunday, solidifying their position as serious contenders this season. Goals from Chris Wood and Morgan Gibbs-White not only sealed the win but also propelled Forest to second place, where they sit just five points behind league leaders Liverpool but with two games remaining to be played by the Reds.
The match, held at Goodison Park, saw Forest continue their impressive form, marking their fifth consecutive win, which is their best run since 1995. The victory allows them to end 2024 on a high note and puts them firmly on track for potential European football next season. It has been more than two decades since they last participated at such levels, and the anticipation is building among their supporters, with some leaving the ground singing, "we're gonna win the league!"
The first goal came early, with Wood scoring his 11th of the season just 15 minutes in. The strike was crafted from teamwork and precision; Wood nodded down a long ball to Anthony Elanga, who cleverly set it back for him. With deft skill, Wood lifted the ball over advancing Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, showcasing his poachers' instincts.
Everton, on the other hand, struggled to respond and failed to register any shots on target during the first half, managing only one shot on target throughout the match. The hosts entered the game expecting to build on their prior unbeaten streak but found themselves outclassed by Forest's tactical prowess. Everton's manager, Sean Dyche, noted post-match, "They scored one good goal, but the second is farcical from us. You can't give away goals to sides in this kind of form."
The game continued to sway heavily in Forest's favor, and just after the hour mark, they doubled their lead. Wood played provider this time, delivering a crisp pass to Gibbs-White, who expertly finished from within the penalty area, pushing Everton closer to the edge of despair.
Throughout the match, Forest displayed excellent defensive organization, not conceding any goals for over 335 minutes of Premier League play. Goalkeeper Matz Sels earned praises for his performance, not having to make many saves but doing just enough when called upon, including one notable stop from Beto late on. The team’s defensive resilience has been impressive, conceding just 19 goals this season and maintaining eight clean sheets, with Sels leading the league.
Reflecting on the strong performances, manager Nuno Espirito Santo expressed pride and cautious optimism. "We are enjoying it, especially because our fans are enjoying it with us. Let's enjoy the moment but nothing changes; we haven’t achieved anything yet." His comments highlighted the importance of stability and focus, emphasizing the hard work remaining as they head toward the new year.
The victory against Everton also marks Forest's first win at Goodison Park since 1999, underlining the historical significance of their performance. The match was tightly contested, with only the quality of Forest's finishing and tactical execution speaking volumes about the competitive edge they possess this season.
Nottingham Forest's impressive form has seen them outperforming expectations, especially when viewing their position at the end of the previous season, which found them fighting relegation. Wood’s goal-scoring ability has been pivotal, and he stands as one of the top scorers this season alongside stars like Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland. His goal against Everton was described by BBC commentators as reminiscent of a "prime Christian Vieri," reflecting the high regard for his current form.
Meanwhile, Everton now faces mounting pressure as they remain only three points above the relegation zone after the defeat. Dyche's men will need to reassess quickly as they prepare for upcoming matches, starting with the difficult away trip to Bournemouth.
Overall, this match serves as another reminder of Nottingham Forest's potential and resilience under pressure. Their success creates ripples of excitement among fans who dream of European competitions again. With their current momentum, they are sure to be more than just participants; they aim to compete at the top levels of English football once more.