In a tightly contested Premier League encounter, Nottingham Forest claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Southampton at St. Mary’s Stadium. Morgan Gibbs-White’s 70th-minute goal was the difference as Forest capitalized on their dominant performance. Despite their best efforts, Southampton struggled to find a breakthrough, marking a disappointing return to the top flight after an extended absence.
Date: Saturday, 24 August 2024
Kick-Off: 19:30 BST
Venue: St. Mary’s Stadium, Southampton
Attendance: 31,150
Referee: Samuel Barrott
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Southampton vs Nottingham Forest Half Time
The first half was characterized by Nottingham Forest’s attacking dominance. Forest registered several attempts on goal, with Neco Williams and Chris Wood forcing Southampton’s goalkeeper Alex McCarthy into early saves. Despite their efforts, Forest could not break the deadlock, and the teams went into the break at 0-0.
Southampton’s most notable moment came from Kyle Walker-Peters, whose shot in the 38th minute was saved by Forest’s keeper Matz Sels. The Saints’ attack lacked cohesion, and their attempts were easily handled by the Forest defense.
Southampton vs Nottingham Forest Full Time
The second half saw Forest continue to apply pressure. Morgan Gibbs-White finally delivered the breakthrough in the 70th minute, reacting swiftly to a rebound to score from close range. Despite Southampton’s efforts to level the score, including a close attempt by Kyle Walker-Peters, Forest held firm.
Late-game substitutions and a series of stoppages added tension, but Forest’s defense managed to withstand Southampton’s late push. Notable moments included attempts by Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi, both of which were saved by McCarthy.
Southampton vs Nottingham Forest Lineups
Southampton (3-5-2):
Goalkeeper: Alex McCarthy
Defenders: Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Jack Stephens (C), Jan Bednarek
Midfielders: Kyle Walker-Peters, Flynn Downes, Joe Aribo, Will Smallbone, Yukinari Sugawara
Forwards: Adam Armstrong, Ben Brereton
Substitutes: Joe Lumley, James Bree, Charlie Taylor, Mateus Fernandes, Samuel Edozie, Lesley Ugochukwu, Tyler Dibling, Cameron Archer, Sam Amo-Ameyaw
Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Matz Sels
Defenders: Neco Williams, Murillo, Nikola Milenkovic, Ola Aina
Midfielders: Ibrahim Sangaré, Elliot Anderson, Morgan Gibbs-White (C)
Forwards: Anthony Elanga, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Chris Wood
Substitutes: Carlos Miguel, Andrew Omobamidele, Harry Toffolo, Willy-Arnaud Boly, Nicolás DomÃnguez, Ryan Yates, Taiwo Awoniyi, Eric da Silva Moreira, Jota Silva
Southampton vs Nottingham Forest Stats
- Possession: Southampton 64.6%, Nottingham Forest 35.4%
- Shots on Target: Southampton 1, Nottingham Forest 8
- Total Shots: Southampton 5, Nottingham Forest 23
- Touches: Southampton 838, Nottingham Forest 543
- Passes: Southampton 656, Nottingham Forest 352
- Tackles: Southampton 18, Nottingham Forest 24
- Clearances: Southampton 17, Nottingham Forest 23
- Corners: Southampton 4, Nottingham Forest 10
- Offsides: Southampton 0, Nottingham Forest 1
- Yellow Cards: Southampton 3, Nottingham Forest 3
- Fouls Conceded: Southampton 14, Nottingham Forest 14
Southampton vs Nottingham Forest Fouls
- Southampton: 14 fouls, including yellow cards for Adam Armstrong, Flynn Downes, and Ben Brereton.
- Nottingham Forest: 14 fouls, with yellow cards for Chris Wood, Ibrahim Sangaré, and Nicolás DomÃnguez.
Morgan Gibbs-White’s decisive goal secured a 1-0 victory for Nottingham Forest, showcasing their attacking prowess and resilience. Despite Southampton’s strong start to their Premier League return, they failed to capitalize on their opportunities and struggled to break down Forest’s defense. As a result, Nottingham Forest moves up to fourth place in the early-season standings, while Southampton remains in 16th, reflecting the challenges ahead for Russell Martin’s side. Forest’s ability to maintain their unbeaten away run and effectively manage their opportunities will be crucial as the season progresses.
