Premier League: Forest pick up first win of the season
Southampton 0 - 1 Nottingham Forest
Morgan Gibbs-White netted the decisive goal, securing Nottingham Forest's first win of the new Premier League season at Southampton. His initial header was cleared off the line by Yukinari Sugawara, but the Forest captain quickly reacted to slot home the rebound in the 70th minute.
Forest had a chance to go ahead earlier in the match, but debutant Nikola Milenkovic narrowly missed from four yards out, misjudging his shot.
Cameron Archer nearly equalised on his home debut for the Saints, but he couldn’t quite connect with Charlie Taylor’s cross, which flashed across the face of the goal.
As in their opening defeat to Newcastle, Southampton dominated possession but struggled to create significant chances. Left wing-back Kyle Walker-Peters was a constant threat in the second half, forcing Forest keeper Matz Sels into a save after cutting inside and shooting with his right foot.
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How can Southampton survive this season?
Russell Martin’s Saints are now winless in 15 Premier League matches and have gone two games without scoring. Back in the top flight after a year away, Southampton are already facing a battle to retain their status by the end of the season.
Martin’s side played impressive possession-based football in the Championship last season, but sticking to that style will be a real challenge in the Premier League, as Vincent Kompany’s Burnley discovered last year. Despite enjoying two-thirds of the possession, Southampton managed just one shot on target.
Although Ben Brereton Diaz has yet to pose a significant goal threat, new signing Cameron Archer has shown promise in his two brief substitute appearances. Despite the new additions to their squad, the Saints have only made two changes from the team that featured heavily last season in their opening two Premier League matches.
Martin’s men face a trip to Brentford next, where they will be desperate to pick up points sooner rather than later.
Impressive start for Forest
Nottingham Forest, who battled relegation throughout last season, managed to stay up despite only securing 32 points. A four-point deduction in March for breaching Premier League profit and sustainability rules added to a season filled with uncertainty, but manager Nuno Espirito Santo is now focused on the future.
Despite having less possession, Forest created the better chances, with Ola Aina posing a constant threat on the left flank and captain Morgan Gibbs-White controlling the midfield. His efforts were rewarded with the match's only goal.
Forest’s attacking talent, including Anthony Elanga, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Aina, showed glimpses of their potential at St Mary's. With the addition of the combative Elliot Anderson from Newcastle in midfield, Forest now looks like a more settled and cohesive unit.
It has been an encouraging start for Nuno's side, with four points from a possible six, and they will next host Wolves at the City Ground on Saturday.
