EPL: Southampton's Winless Streak Continues with Defeat at Forest

Nottingham Forest secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Southampton, moving level on points with Arsenal in the Premier League and extending their unbeaten run to nine matches.

Nottingham Forest continued their impressive run in the Premier League, securing a thrilling 3-2 victory over Southampton. This win propelled Forest level on points with second-placed Arsenal, further solidifying their position in the league.

Southampton, who have endured the worst start to a Premier League season after 21 games, were in dire need of a positive performance against Nuno Espírito Santo's high-flying Forest team. However, the hosts had other plans, dominating the early exchanges and exerting significant pressure on the Saints' defense.

Forest's relentless pressure eventually paid off in the 11th minute, as Elliot Anderson scored his first goal for the club with a low, powerful strike from distance. This breakthrough marked the beginning of an action-packed encounter between the two teams.

Ivan Juric's team demonstrated their attacking prowess with some clever play, but Nottingham Forest caught them off guard shortly before the half-hour mark. Callum Hudson-Odoi seized the opportunity presented by Jan Bednarek's heavy touch on the edge of the box, coolly sweeping the ball past Aaron Ramsdale into the bottom corner.

Nottingham Forest continued to assert their dominance, and their efforts were rewarded with a third goal before the halftime whistle. Chris Wood rose to meet Ola Aina's precise delivery, heading the ball home to score his 14th league goal of the season and further extend Forest's lead.

Trailing by three goals, Southampton were fortunate to avoid further deficit early in the second half when Anthony Elanga's sharp strike was thwarted by Aaron Ramsdale. This narrow escape seemed to galvanize the visitors, who subsequently pulled a goal back through Jan Bednarek. Bednarek diverted Lesley Ugochukwu's effort past Matz Sels in the Forest goal, offering Southampton a glimmer of hope.

👏 @NFFC extend their unbeaten run to EIGHT matches!

And they've won seven of those!#NFOSOU pic.twitter.com/lwLhp50dAG

— Premier League (@premierleague) January 19, 2025

Nottingham Forest thought they had restored their three-goal advantage shortly after, but Nikola Milenkovic's header was disallowed due to a Chris Wood offside. As the match entered its final 20 minutes, Nuno Espírito Santo opted to rest several key players, seemingly confident that the Tricky Trees would secure the three points. However, Southampton substitute Paul Onuachu had other plans, rising highest in the box to convert Mateus Fernandes' corner and set up a nervy finale.

Despite this late surge, Forest held firm in the closing stages to extend their unbeaten run across all competitions to nine matches (W8, D1). In contrast, Southampton's defeat marked a dismal milestone for manager Ivan Juric, who became the first permanent manager in the club's history to lose his first five league games.