Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi scored the only goal as Nottingham Forest recorded a vital victory over Southampton at the St. Mary’s Stadium on Wednesday night.
The win moves Forest out of the relegation zone as they registered their first Premier League away win since 1999.
Both sides started the game in the relegation zone, with fans anticipating a somewhat cagey affair but it didn’t prove to be one in the opening minutes. The two teams had decent chances but failed to convert.
Southampton had the game’s first real chance but Che Adams fumbled when set up by Kyle Walker-Peters, his half-volley going wide of the post.
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Forest grew into the game following a slow start, and were almost in front but for Brennan Johnson’s spurned chance from a close angle.
The away side continued to press forward and that paid off in the 27th minute when Lyanco’s misplaced pass was picked up by Johnson who raced through on goal before squaring for Awoniyi who simply but expertly tapped into the net.
Walker-Peters put up a tireless display on the right wing but was unable to find the crucial final pass.
The philosophy of Forest manager Steve Cooper was clear from the onset – be resilient up front but also be very difficult to break down at the back. That was the core of their impressive display against Chelsea on Sunday as well.
Despite the introduction of Nigerian midfielder Joe Aribo, Adam Armstrong and Sam Edozie, the Saints were unable to find a breakthrough.
Although it was the only goal of the match, Awoniyi’s goal for Forest on the night was also his fourth league goal of the season for the club. He built on his Man-Of-The-Match performance against Chelsea last time out.
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