All smiles for the travelling Nottingham Forest fans as their team registered their first win of the Premier League 2024/25 season against Southampton at the St. Mary’s Stadium. In the absence of Danilo, newly signed, Elliot Anderson was picked by Nuno Espirito Santo.
Statistically, the Reds managed only 35% of ball possession but the impressive part was their attacking intent. They took 23 shots and among them, eight were on target. It was Morgan Gibbs-White’s lone strike that was enough to seal the victory and Nuno’s side now have four points from two games.
Here are the player ratings from the game
Nottingham Forest
Matz Sels – 6
Matz Sels had hardly to do anything in this game, thanks to the solid defensive display from his teammates. The Saints had only one shot at the target, which is enough to understand that Sels was not needed much in action.
Ola Aina – 7
Aina was one of the brightest players on the pitch as he looked to threaten the opposition with his pace and crosses. He looked brilliant in terms of winning offensive duels.
Murillo – 7
In the last game, just at the end, the Brazilian centre-back came up with a solid block and today, once again, it was a solid display from Murillo.
What a game for the new signing of the Reds. Nikola Milenkovic used all of his experience, which was evident throughout the game. his partnership with Murillo was very fruitful. The Serbian had a chance to score in the first half but he missed.
Neco Williams – 6
Not so much threatening as a side back but it was a decent performance from Neco Williams on the right flank.
Elliot Anderson – 7
In the absence of Danilo, it was expected that the new signing Elliot Anderson might get a start and he did so. In his 75 minutes of display, Anderson showed glimpses of what he is capable of.
Ibrahim Sangare – 7
Another solid performance from Ibrahim Sangare. In the season opener also, he showed his value and today also, Sangare was Nuno’s man.
Callum Hudson-Odoi played a role in the goal and on many occasions, he came up with some vicious shots at the goal. In the 78th minute, his shot got saved by McCarthy with an agile save.
The only goal scorer who ensured all three points from this away fixture for the Reds. Morgan Gibbs-White showed skills and came up with some threatening forward passes throughout the game. As a central attacking midfielder, he was leading from the front for the Reds.
Anthony Elanga – 6
Elanga had a decent outing but there were some moments where he impressed with his scorching speed down the flank. However, Nuno would like to see more involvement in the coming games as the former Manchester United star has all the qualities to create impactful moves, especially with his pace.
Chris Wood – 6
Wood scored in the opening game but failed to continue the streak. The Kiwi striker had some chances to convert but did not manage. His conversation rate will be an area that Nuno will look to improve in the coming days.
Substitutes
Willy Boly – N/A, came on the 90+2’ minutes
Ryan Yates – 5
After coming off the bench in place of Sangare, Yates played according to his role for 25 minutes.
Jota Silva – N/A, came on the 90+2’ minutes
Nicolas Dominguez – 4
Dominguez managed 15 minutes of game time under the belt. But, still, he got booked for a yellow card for a challenge.
Taiwo Awoniyi – 4
The Nigerian striker looked decent in the last 15 minutes and was tracking back and using his physicality to win duels with defenders.
