Nottingham Forest overcame their recent poor run of form to defeat Brighton under the lights at The City Ground.
Forest looked lively and got the crowd behind them in the opening ten minutes, but when Jason Steele saved Brennan Johnson’s penalty, the life was sucked from the players and crowd.
Brighton dominated much of the second half and once they took the lead, it felt like another loss was coming Forest’s way. Mac Allister conducted proceedings and despite their loss at Wembley last weekend, played the sort of football De Zerbi’s side have become known for.
But Lodi’s deflected cross ended up in the top right hand corner and Forest went into the dressing room with a renwed sense of optimism. This carrier over into the second half and Forest deservedly took the lead.
Taiwo Awoniyi put Danilo through, who showed great composure under pressure to slot one past Steele.
Morgan Gibbs-White penalty sealed the deal for Forest, who now find themselves a point above the relegation zone.
Our reporter Max Scott shares the player ratings from tonight’s huge win at The City Ground.
5. Serge Aurier (6)
New position for Aurier, who started ahead of Worrall. Good to have his experience in such a crucial game. | Getty Images
6. Neco Williams (8)
Devastating to see him stretchered off after a collision with Johnson. Was Forest’s best player up until that point. Fingers crossed it’s not too serious and he’ll feature on Saturday against Brentford. | Getty Images
7. Orel Mangala (7)
Deserved his place in the starting line up and managed to weather Brighton’s first half storm. Grew into the game and was often the player to initiate the counter attack. | Getty Images
8. Danilo (9)
MOTM performance. Breakthrough game in a Forest shirt. Showed such composure under pressure for Forest’s second goal. | Getty Images