Nottingham Forest's remarkable Premier League run continued on January 6, 2025, with a convincing 3-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux Stadium. The win marked Forest's sixth consecutive triumph, drawing them level on points with Arsenal and narrowing the gap to just six points behind league leaders Liverpool.
The match began with a bang for the visitors, as Morgan Gibbs-White, playing against his boyhood club, netted the opener just seven minutes after kickoff. Teed up by Anthony Elanga, Gibbs-White made his mark with a precise finish, sending the traveling supporters wild and silencing the home crowd, who were vocal against him throughout the match.
Forest doubled their lead just before halftime, when Callum Hudson-Odoi's swift break down the left flank created the opportunity for Chris Wood to score his 12th goal of the season. The timing was impeccable; as the Wolves defense was left scrambling, Wood calmly slotted the ball home, solidifying Forest's dominance.
Despite the scoreline, Wolves had several chances to get back on level terms. Forest's goalkeeper, Matz Sels, was immense between the posts, making key saves, including denials of Jørgen Strand Larsen's close-range effort and a deflected shot from Rodrigo Gomes. His performance was so outstanding it drew praise from pundits and fans alike, with some asserting he should be considered the best goalkeeper currently playing.
Add to this the dynamics of the match; Wolves, under new manager Vítor Pereira, controlled much of the possession but struggled to convert opportunities, often thwarted by Forest's organized defensive play. Pereira acknowledged post-match the frustration felt at not being able to capitalize on their chances. "We had chances to equalize but we missed; they scored the second goal and it was very tough for us," he admitted.
Forest, on the other hand, appears to have mastered the art of counter-attacking football. Each of their goals came as result of quick transitions from defense to offense, exploiting gaps left by Wolves as they pressed for goals. The third and final goal arrived deep in added time courtesy of Taiwo Awoniyi, who tapped the ball home after being set up by James Ward-Prowse, sealing the victory emphatically.
Nuno Espírito Santo, Forest's manager and former Wolves head coach, reflected on the importance of humility and hard work. "We worked hard for this, but we haven't achieved anything yet. It's important to remain focused," he stated. His return to Molineux and the successful result added to the narrative of the match, showcasing his evolution as a coach since leaving Wolves.
The triumph at Molineux marks the first time Nottingham Forest has won six consecutive Premier League matches since 1979, when legends like Brian Clough led the team. The parallels to past success paint the current squad's achievements as historically significant.
With this victory, Forest not only keeps pace with Arsenal but also finds themselves firmly within the conversation for the title, as they prepare for their upcoming clash against Liverpool. If they maintain this level of performance—characterized by effective transitions and solid defending—it's not far-fetched to believe they can challenge for top honors.
Wolves, meanwhile, face the prospect of tactical reassessments following their first defeat under Pereira. They are left to ponder how to convert their battling spirit and possession dominance onto the scoreboard. Missed opportunities against Forest could prove costly as they now hover outside the relegation zone, emphasizing the urgency for improvement.
The match was more than just three points; it highlighted Nottingham Forest's formidable form and left Wolves grappling with their continued struggles, setting up intriguing narratives as the season progresses.
Could this be Nottingham Forest's year? Only time will tell, but the signs are certainly promising.