Nottingham Forest defeated Brighton 7-0 to reclaim their lead in the Champions League for the next season on Saturday at the City Ground, thanks to Chris Wood’s hat-trick.
After Nuno Espirito Santo’s men recovered from a 5-0 defeat at Bournemouth last weekend, Lewis Dunk’s own goal opened the scoring for Morgan Gibbs-White, Neco Williams, and Jota Silva, who were also on target.
Victory takes Forest level on points with second-placed Arsenal and opens up a seven-point cushion on sixth-placed Chelsea.
Due to English clubs’ strong start in European competitions, fifth place in the Premier League this year is almost certain to qualify them for Champions League qualification.
Two-time European Cup winners in 1979 and 1980 during the club’s heyday under Brian Clough, Forest last played in Europe back in 1996.
However, they are now well on track to end that two-decade wait for continental competition after a run of ten victories from their last 12 games.
With five starting eleven players in place, Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler made a daring selection.
However, that had a huge negative impact, as Forest’s frightening pace and precision led to the Seagulls’ wide openness and punishment going forward.
After just 12 minutes, Dunk turned Gibbs-White’s risky low cross into his own net to give the hosts a helping hand they did not need.
On his 100th Forest appearance, Gibbs-White then rose highest to power in a header from Anthony Elanga’s corner.
As Brighton is cut open at will down Forest’s right side, Manchester United will wonder what they let go in Elanga.
Wood had just 15 minutes to score his 15th Premier League goal of the year, setting his own personal best ever for a season in the English top flight, with his pinpoint cross on the half-hour mark.
After the break, the New Zealander, 33, was set for two more opportunities for him to enjoy his best career.
As Elanga hurried toward the byline and squared in from point blank range, Wood was once more the creator of the fourth.
After scoring from the penalty spot, Tariq Lamptey man-handled Gibbs-White to the floor, giving Wood the opportunity to complete his hat-trick.
Stan Collymore’s record of 24 goals as Forest’s top scorer in a single Premier League season is now in the balance.
After a negative day for their own European ambitions, Brighton remain ninth.
After a bright start to Hurzeler’s reign, the 31-year-old has won just two of his last 11 league games.
In the final stages, Williams smashed in from close range, going from bad to worse for the visitors.
In stoppage time, Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen made it even worse for his side when Jota Silva surged forward and fired past the Dutch international.
Source: Channels TV
Leave a Reply