Nottingham Forest 4-3 Southampton: Taiwo Awonyi scores twice as Forest move out of relegation zone

Nottingham Forest vaulted out of the relegation zone with a 4-3 victory over Southampton, whose demotion from the Premier League is now all but a mathematical certainty. A Taiwo Awonyi brace — both goals sharp finishes from close range — gave Forest a healthy lead as they capitalised on dreadful defending from the visitors. Ad Carlos Alcaraz pulled a goal back for Southampton when they broke effectively, but Morgan Gibbs-White scored from the penalty spot to ensure Forest had a two-goal lead at the break.

Premier LeagueNewcastle storm back to beat Southampton, Bournemouth trounce Leeds30/04/2023 AT 20:52 Lyanco pulled another goal back for the Saints from a corner, setting up a nervy second half, and James Ward-Prowse's deliveries continued to cause problems for a Forest backline which was teetering. However so was Southampton's and Danilo calmed home nerves when he made it 4-2, finishing off a crisp move after being set up by an exquisite Gibbs-White flick. Danilo has now scored in three consecutive matches.

Ward-Prowse scored an injury-time penalty for Southampton that was just a consolation and came shortly after Felipe saw a fifth home goal ruled out for offside. The win — just their second in 14 matches — lifts Forest up to 16th place on 33 points, three above 18th-placed Leicester City, who lost to Fulham earlier in the day. Rock-bottom Southampton have 24 points and are eight adrift of safety, with just three games left.

Premier League table Premier League fixtures / results Premier League top scorers TALKING POINT — Forest take significant step towards safety Given the opposition, this was a game Forest simply had to win if they want to play Premier League football next season. They delivered. Forest are now out