Wood hat-trick, Aina solid against Brighton in Forest’s biggest win in Premier League history

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Nottingham Forest responded in emphatic fashion to their recent 5-0 thrashing at Bournemouth, demolishing Brighton & Hove Albion 7-0 at the City Ground.

Chris Wood was the star of the night, netting a brilliant hat-trick, while Anthony Elanga provided three assists in a dazzling attacking display.

Despite Brighton’s push for European qualification, their defensive frailties were brutally exposed. A Lewis Dunk own goal set the tone early, and from there, Forest never looked back. Morgan Gibbs-White doubled the lead before Wood struck twice to put the hosts in full control.

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Brighton tried to mount a response, but their defensive lapses proved costly. Wood completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 69th minute, while late strikes from Neco Williams and Jota Silva capped a remarkable night. This victory, Forest’s biggest-ever Premier League win, moved them level on points with second-placed Arsenal.

Dominant Forest tear Brighton apart

Forest wasted no time asserting themselves as they broke the deadlock just 12 minutes in. Gibbs-White whipped in a dangerous cross, and Dunk, attempting to clear, inadvertently diverted the ball past his own goalkeeper.

The hosts continued to press and doubled their advantage in the 25th minute. Elanga delivered a pinpoint corner, and Gibbs-White rose highest to nod the ball home at the near post. Brighton struggled to recover, and Forest struck again.

Just before halftime, Wood added a third, heading in another Elanga cross. Although VAR briefly checked for offside, the goal stood, and Brighton were left with a mountain to climb. Meanwhile, Danny Welbeck nearly pulled one back, but his powerful effort crashed against the crossbar.

Brighton collapse as Forest run riot

Brighton showed early intent after the break, but Forest remained ruthless. In the 64th minute, Wood pounced on a loose ball inside the box to make it 4-0, effectively ending the contest. Moments later, Tariq Lamptey fouled Gibbs-White in the area, and Wood calmly converted the resulting penalty.

Even with victory secured, Forest refused to take their foot off the gas. Williams smashed home a sixth from close range before Silva intercepted a wayward pass from Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen and fired in the seventh.

Brighton’s woes continue amid defensive struggles

Brighton had entered this game hoping to bounce back from a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Everton. However, their inconsistency has plagued them all season.

Despite a few promising moments, including Welbeck’s near-miss and Yankuba Minteh’s squandered chance, Brighton failed to make their chances count. Their defense, the weakest among teams in the top half, was once again their downfall.

Forest, in contrast, delivered a performance full of energy and clinical finishing. Their attacking trio of Gibbs-White, Elanga, and Wood tormented Brighton’s backline, ensuring a historic victory.

A performance for the history books

This result will be remembered as one of Forest’s most dominant displays in recent years. Their seven-goal margin was the club’s biggest league victory since a 7-0 thrashing of Chelsea in 1991.

For Brighton, this was their worst league defeat since a crushing 9-0 loss to Middlesbrough in 1958. Additionally, Dunk’s own goal added to an unfortunate record, as only Richard Dunne (10) has scored more own goals in Premier League history.

What’s next?

Forest will look to build on this stunning win when they visit Fulham in two weeks. Meanwhile, Brighton must quickly regroup before facing Chelsea, knowing their European hopes are slipping away.

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