Nottingham Forest revive Premier League survival hopes after Brighton win

While many have been quick to write Forest off as relegation fodder, Steve Cooper’s side showed passion and fight in their comeback win against Brighton last night.

The game against European-chasing Brighton ebbed and flowed and was a fine example of the type of football on show in this unique Premier League season.

Forest started with an attitude and edge that has been missing in recent games. Gibbs-White was fired up after Facundo Buonanatte went down in the box from minimal contact.

He responded by grabbing the back of the 18 year old’s shirt and pulling him off the floor. The brief melee following this got the crowd going. Felipe joined in by shoving a Brighton player, who’d taken issue with Gibbs-White’s reaction, to the floor and although it cost him a yellow card, it set the tone for a fighting display from Cooper’s side.

After the loss at Anfield, Forest’s head coach spoke of turning the frustration of the result into motivation against Brighton.

This was certainly tested after Brennan Johnson saw his penalty saved by Jason Steele. After this, the life was somewhat sucked from the City Ground and Brighton started to show their class, controlling possession and piling pressure on Forest.

Brighton’s goal added to the growing anxiety in the stadium, but as Forest fans have been acccustomed to under Steve Cooper, night’s under the lights serve up some special occassions.

Lady-luck has long been absent from The City Ground, but Lodi-luck served up a vital moment for Forest.

Renan Lodi’s cross in the final minute of added time deflected off Pascal Gross and the hand which saved Johnson’s penalty was not strong enough to keep the ball out of the top corner.

The atmosphere instantly lifted with an eruption of relief and Forest went into the dressing room at half time with the dynamic of the game shifting completely.

This energy fuelled proceedings in the second half.

While Brighton were largely dominant in the first forty-five, Forest took over in the second. Other than an uncharacteristic shot off target from Mitoma, Forest’s players grew in confidence and created the most chances.

Taiwo Awoniyi played another important role, assisting Danilo for Forest’s second. His perfeclty weighted ball gave the Brazilian the space to run into the box and slot one past Steele.

Danilo’s performance demonstrated the calibre of player he is and why there was so much interest in him during the transfer window. He has adjusted to the pace of the English game and begun to fill the gap left by Ryan Yates’ absence from the side.

Gibbs-White’s penalty and resulting celebration topped off a win of epic proportions, which took Forest a point above the relegation zone. His performance was much improved. He played witha chip on his shoulder, chest out and a swagger that defined his form earlier in the season.

Sadly though, the victory was somewhat tainted by injuries to Moussa Niakhate and Neco Williams.

The Welshamn was stretchered off with a nasty looking facial injury following a collision with Brennan Johson. The in-form right-back was then taken to hospital.

At full time, the release of joy and sound from the Garibaldi faithful was something to behold as hope was revived following eleven games without a win.

Forest will hope that Newcastle can take all three points from Everton tonight, as the Magpies travel to Goodison park, securing Forest’s place outside the bottom three.