Nottingham Forest moved to eight points clear of the relegation zone with an impressive 5-0 win at Sunderland after a riot that saw them score four goals in the first half.
Trey Hume’s own goal in the 17th minute infuriated Forest and put them well behind Tottenham. Tottenham occupy the final spot in the bottom three and visit relegated Wolves on Saturday.
“This is the result of the season,” said Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp. “To go there in the predicament they’re in, it’s an unbelievable result. I can only imagine what (Roberto) De Zerbi and Nuno (Espirito Santo) are thinking right now as they watch it behind the sofa. Those three points are really big.”
Forest were in dreamland at half-time. Chris Wood capitalized on a Robin Roofs mistake to score the second goal, Morgan Gibbs-White fired home from a corner and then Igor Jesus smashed home to give them an incredible four-point lead within 37 minutes.
Sunderland defender Nordi Mukiele got into an altercation with some supporters at the half-time whistle, dealing a major blow to Europe’s hopes with four games remaining. Only Burnley and Tottenham have conceded more goals than them this year.
Dan Ballard tried to restore some pride with a header midway through the second period, but the goal was strictly ruled out after a VAR check for a foul on Mukiele on Forest goalkeeper Mats Sells.
Forest absorbed just one shot after half-time while absorbing Sunderland’s attacks, and Elliott Anderson’s cool finish in stoppage time capped off a perfect night that will put pressure on their relegation rivals this weekend.
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Sunderland are still looking to get on the scoresheet after Daniel Ballard’s goal was ruled out by VAR after Nordi Mukiele collided with Nottingham Forest stopper Mats Sells.
Redknapp: This result will shock West Ham and Spurs
Jamie Redknapp of Sky Sports:
“I don’t think anyone expected that result tonight. Before the game I thought a point would be a good result.
“But if we go there and completely reverse the goal difference and get three points like that, it will definitely be a shock to the West Ham and Tottenham fan base, the players and the manager.”
Pereira: We have a mentality and a character.
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Nottingham Forest manager Vitor Pereira believes his team can pick up points from all of their remaining Premier League games.
Nottingham Forest head coach Vitor Pereira told Sky Sports:
“I have to thank the staff for looking after the set-pieces, because they were great today. They caused us a lot of problems.
“Our pressing caused a lot of problems. Our pressing caused a lot of problems and the clean sheet. The clean sheet is important to show this mentality, this spirit, this confidence at this moment in the season, because we have character.”
“I’m very happy for the players, the supporters, the club and the staff. We’re in a good period because we’ve built the spirit, the mentality and the tactics. Now that we have more time to work together, we’re in the moment where we can go into every game to get points.”
Le Bris: “The goal in the first half was like getting punched in the face”
Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris:
“We started well and gradually I felt they were more aggressive, harder, more realistic and pressing well. We couldn’t build up the pressure and the momentum changed in that moment.”
“They were clinical as they scored four goals in the first half and it was like a punch to our face.
“This is a strong reminder because if you fall even 10 per cent below the standard you get punished and that was the case today. They were good. We have good players and we weren’t at their level so there can be no excuses.”
Regarding Mukiele’s interactions with fans, he said, “It’s normal to react, and I think the fans are dissatisfied.Even if they were rooting for me, I think the second half was really emotional.The emotions that followed were irrational, so I can’t comment.”
Pereira’s Bold Forest is thriving without a handbrake
Sky Sports’ Lewis Jones said:
Nottingham Forest achieved a consecutive victory by defeating Sunderland 5-0. Forest have scored nine goals in their last two games to avoid relegation.
The numbers alone are astonishing. Even more so their attitude. This is not a team that plays inside. This is an unfettered team.
Under Pereira, Forest have embraced an almost subversive philosophy in a league that is often wary, especially away from home.
It’s something of a throwback to name two strikers on the road, in the same vein as Chris Wood and Igor Jesus at the Stadium of Light. It’s also a gamble. However, it paid off noticeably as Forest pressed relentlessly with an intensity that Sunderland were unable to cope with.
Pereira’s willingness to double down on his aggression is refreshing in a league where approaches are often dictated by fear, as was the case under Forest manager Sean Dyche.
See all 5-star Forest goals
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Igor Jesus’ header found Sunderland’s Try Hume and Nottingham Forest took the lead with an own goal.
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Chris Wood extends Nottingham Forest’s lead in the first half against Sunderland.
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Morgan Gibbs-White scored Nottingham Forest’s third goal in the first half against Sunderland.
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Sunderland are still looking to get on the scoresheet after Daniel Ballard’s goal was ruled out by VAR after Nordi Mukiele collided with Nottingham Forest stopper Mats Sells.
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Elliott Anderson scored Nottingham Forest’s fifth goal in stoppage time at Sunderland.
