On Saturday, 31st August 2024, Nottingham Forest hosted Wolverhampton Wanderers at The City Ground for an exciting Premier League clash. The stadium was filled with 29,918 passionate fans, all eager to witness a fierce contest between two Midlands rivals. Both teams were searching for valuable points early in the season, with Forest looking to maintain their unbeaten run and Wolves aiming to bounce back from a heavy defeat in their previous match. Simon Hooper was the man in charge of officiating the game.
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Nottingham Forest vs Wolves Head-to-Head
Historically, Wolverhampton Wanderers have held a slight advantage over Nottingham Forest. In their last five meetings, Wolves have secured one win, with the other four matches ending in draws. Forest were keen to turn the tide in their favor, especially on home turf.
Nottingham Forest vs Wolves Lineups Today (Aug 31)
Here is the Nottingham Forest vs Wolves lineups today (Aug 31)
Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Matz Sels (26)
- Defenders: Murillo (5), Neco Williams (7), Nikola Milenkovic (31), Ola Aina (34)
- Midfielders: Ibrahim Sangaré (6), Elliot Anderson (8), Morgan Gibbs-White (10) (C), Callum Hudson-Odoi (14), Anthony Elanga (21)
- Forward: Chris Wood (11)
- Substitutes: Carlos Miguel (33), Álex Moreno (19), Willy-Arnaud Boly (30), Nicolás Domínguez (16), Ryan Yates (22), Taiwo Awoniyi (9), Eric da Silva Moreira (17), Jota Silva (20), Ramón Sosa (24)
Wolverhampton Wanderers (4-4-1-1):
- Goalkeeper: Sam Johnstone (31)
- Defenders: Yerson Mosquera (14), Craig Dawson (15), Nélson Semedo (22), Toti Gomes (24)
- Midfielders: Rayan Aït-Nouri (3), Mario Lemina (5) (C), João Gomes (8), Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (27)
- Forward: Matheus Cunha (12)
- Striker: Jørgen Strand Larsen (9)
- Substitutes: Dan Bentley (25), Matt Doherty (2), Santiago Bueno (4), André (7), Tommy Doyle (20), Pablo Sarabia (21), Hwang Hee-Chan (11), Rodrigo Gomes (19), Gonçalo Guedes (29)
Nottingham Forest vs Wolves First Half
The match started at a brisk pace, with Nottingham Forest looking to capitalize on their home advantage. The hosts took the lead in the 10th minute when Chris Wood rose highest to meet an Elliot Anderson corner, heading the ball past Wolves’ debutant goalkeeper Sam Johnstone into the bottom-right corner. The City Ground erupted in celebration as Forest looked to take control of the match.
However, Wolverhampton Wanderers responded almost immediately. Just two minutes after conceding, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde unleashed a thunderous strike from 20 yards out, leaving Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels with no chance as the ball rocketed into the roof of the net. Mario Lemina provided the assist, and Wolves were back on level terms.
Both teams continued to press forward, with chances falling to Matheus Cunha, who dragged his effort wide, and Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, whose free-kick was pushed wide by Johnstone. The first half ended with the score tied at 1-1, setting the stage for an intense second half.
Half-Time: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Nottingham Forest vs Wolves Second Half
The second half saw Nottingham Forest come out with renewed energy, dominating possession and creating several chances. Elliot Anderson’s deflected shot narrowly dipped over the crossbar, while Chris Wood was denied a second goal by a strong hand from Sam Johnstone.
Wolves, on the other hand, had their best chance when Matheus Cunha curled an effort narrowly wide of the post. The visitors, who were under pressure for much of the half, relied on their defensive solidity to keep Forest at bay.
In the dying moments of the match, Chris Wood thought he had scored the winner, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside. Despite their relentless efforts, Nottingham Forest could not find the breakthrough, and the match ended in a hard-fought 1-1 draw.
Nottingham Forest vs Wolves Goals: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Nottingham Forest vs Wolves Stats
Here is the stats of Nottingham Forest vs Wolves today (Aug 31)
- Possession: Nottingham Forest 51.8% – 48.2% Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Shots on Target: Nottingham Forest 5 – 3 Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Total Shots: Nottingham Forest 16 – 11 Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Passes: Nottingham Forest 359 – 348 Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Tackles: Nottingham Forest 17 – 25 Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Corners: Nottingham Forest 7 – 3 Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Fouls: Nottingham Forest 15 – 18 Wolverhampton Wanderers
- Yellow Cards: Nottingham Forest 3 – 4 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Nottingham Forest vs Wolves Timeline
Here is the Nottingham Forest vs Wolves timeline today (Aug 31)
- 10’ (Nott’m Forest): Chris Wood scores with a header, assisted by Elliot Anderson. (1-0)
- 12’ (Wolves): Jean-Ricner Bellegarde scores a stunning goal from 20 yards, assisted by Mario Lemina. (1-1)
- 58’ (Nott’m Forest): Ibrahim Sangaré receives a yellow card.
- 60’ (Wolves): Substitutions – Rayan Aït-Nouri off, Tommy Doyle on; João Gomes off, Hwang Hee-Chan on.
- 75’ (Wolves): Substitutions – Nélson Semedo off, Matt Doherty on; Jean-Ricner Bellegarde off, Gonçalo Guedes on.
- 80’ (Nott’m Forest): Substitution – Callum Hudson-Odoi off, Ramón Sosa on.
- 86’ (Wolves): Substitution – Jørgen Strand Larsen off, André on.
- 90+1’ (Nott’m Forest): Substitutions – Anthony Elanga off, Taiwo Awoniyi on; Jota Silva on, Ryan Yates off.
- 90+1’ (Nott’m Forest): Elliot Anderson receives a yellow card.
Nottingham Forest vs Wolves Man of the Match
Chris Wood was voted the Fan’s Man of the Match for his crucial goal and overall performance. His presence in the box was a constant threat to the Wolves’ defense, and he nearly secured all three points for Forest with a late strike that was disallowed.
The 1-1 draw at The City Ground was a fair reflection of an evenly contested match between Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Forest will be pleased to remain unbeaten but may feel slightly disappointed not to have secured all three points after dominating large portions of the game. Wolves, on the other hand, will take solace in earning their first point of the season and showing significant improvement from their previous outing. Both teams will look to build on this result as they continue their Premier League campaigns.
