Nottingham Forest delivered a clinical performance to end Brentford’s unbeaten Premier League home record this season with a 2-0 victory at the Gtech Community Stadium. Goals from Ola Aina and Anthony Elanga secured the win, propelling Forest into the top four heading into the Christmas break.
1. Match Highlights
First Half: Aina’s Breakthrough
Brentford started brightly, with Mikkel Damsgaard and Yoane Wissa threatening early. However, Forest weathered the storm and struck seven minutes before halftime:
- Ola Aina’s Goal: The defender capitalized on a well-worked move, punishing Brentford for their lack of sharpness in the final third.
Second Half: Elanga’s Early Strike
Forest doubled their lead shortly after the break:
- Anthony Elanga’s Goal: A defensive error from Keane Lewis-Potter gifted the former Manchester United winger a golden opportunity, which he converted with composure.
Brentford struggled to respond, with Forest’s disciplined defense neutralizing their attack.
2. Key Player Performances
Brentford (4-3-3)
| Player | Rating | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| GK: Mark Flekken | 6.3/10 | Made some routine saves but couldn’t prevent either goal. |
| RB: Aaron Hickey | 6.5/10 | Showed energy on the flank but lacked precision in his delivery. |
| CB: Nathan Collins | 6.0/10 | Struggled to deal with Forest’s counterattacks. |
| CB: Ethan Pinnock | 6.2/10 | Made crucial interceptions but was caught out for Aina’s goal. |
| LB: Rico Henry | 6.4/10 | Solid defensively but offered little going forward. |
| CM: Christian Norgaard | 6.6/10 | Tried to control the tempo but lacked support in key moments. |
| CM: Mikkel Damsgaard | 6.7/10 | Showed flashes of creativity but faded as the game progressed. |
| CM: Vitaly Janelt | 6.2/10 | Worked hard defensively but offered little in attack. |
| RW: Bryan Mbeumo | 6.5/10 | Tested the goalkeeper once but was largely subdued. |
| ST: Yoane Wissa | 6.0/10 | Failed to register a shot on target, struggling to find space. |
| LW: Keane Lewis-Potter | 5.8/10 | His mistake led to Forest’s second goal, capping a poor outing. |
Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1)
| Player | Rating | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| GK: Matz Sels | 7.5/10 | Made crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet. |
| RB: Serge Aurier | 7.2/10 | Strong defensively and supported the attack when needed. |
| CB: Willy Boly | 7.4/10 | Commanding presence in the backline, snuffing out Brentford’s attacks. |
| CB: Joe Worrall | 7.3/10 | Solid and reliable, key in Forest’s defensive setup. |
| LB: Ola Aina | 8.0/10 | Player of the Match. Scored the opener and was excellent defensively. |
| CM: Orel Mangala | 7.5/10 | Controlled the midfield with smart passing and defensive contributions. |
| CM: Ibrahim Sangaré | 7.3/10 | Provided physicality and composure in the middle of the park. |
| RW: Morgan Gibbs-White | 7.6/10 | Created chances and linked up well with Elanga and Awoniyi. |
| AM: Anthony Elanga | 8.0/10 | Scored the second goal and was a constant threat on the counter. |
| LW: Callum Hudson-Odoi | 7.2/10 | Delivered dangerous crosses and contributed defensively. |
| ST: Taiwo Awoniyi | 7.0/10 | Worked tirelessly to hold up play and create space for teammates. |
3. Tactical Analysis
Brentford’s Struggles
- Injury Woes: Missing key players, Brentford’s depth was tested, and it showed in their lack of cohesion.
- Inefficient Attack: Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa were effectively shut down, resulting in Brentford’s lowest xG at home in six matches (0.8).
Forest’s Discipline
- Defensive Solidity: Forest’s backline absorbed Brentford’s pressure and neutralized their attacking threats.
- Clinical Counterattacks: Both goals came from capitalizing on Brentford’s mistakes, showcasing Forest’s ruthlessness.
4. Key Takeaways
Nottingham Forest
- Top Four Contenders: Forest’s win moves them into third place, reinforcing their credentials as a top-four contender.
- Resilient Performance: Their disciplined approach and clinical finishing were key to the victory.
Brentford
- Home Streak Snapped: The Bees’ impressive home record came to an end, exposing their vulnerability without key players.
- Attacking Concerns: Brentford must address their lack of cutting edge in the final third to bounce back.
5. What’s Next?
Nottingham Forest
Forest will aim to continue their excellent form as they push to solidify their position in the Premier League’s top four.
Brentford
Thomas Frank’s side will look to regroup and recover from this setback, with a focus on reigniting their attack.
FAQs
- Who scored for Nottingham Forest?
Ola Aina and Anthony Elanga scored for Forest. - What was the final score?
Nottingham Forest defeated Brentford 2-0. - Who was the Player of the Match?
Ola Aina was named Player of the Match for his goal and defensive performance. - What’s next for Nottingham Forest?
Forest will look to maintain their momentum in their next Premier League fixture. - How did Brentford perform?
Brentford struggled to create chances and were undone by defensive errors.
