Nottingham Forest continued their remarkable season with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Southampton at the City Ground in Matchweek 22. The win ties Forest with Arsenal for second place in the table, a feat few would have predicted at the start of the campaign.
Match Overview
This thrilling encounter saw Nottingham Forest edge Southampton in a match filled with grit, determination, and flashes of quality in the final third. Forest’s efficiency in front of goal made the difference, with an expected goals (xG) of 2.08 compared to Southampton’s 1.04. Though Southampton controlled 56% of possession, Forest capitalized on their chances with clinical precision.
Momentum Shifts and Key Stats
The match momentum graph revealed an evenly contested game, with Southampton enjoying longer spells of sustained possession. However, Forest’s ability to strike during key moments proved decisive. Southampton’s high pressing led to 24 progressive runs compared to Forest’s 20, but Forest’s sharper attacking edge was evident in their higher xG per shot (0.189 to 0.131).
Southampton’s 18 fouls disrupted the game’s rhythm, with Forest benefiting from set-piece opportunities. Despite having fewer corners (2 to Southampton’s 8), Forest’s quick transitions caused havoc for the visitors.
Shots and Goals: Forest’s Cutting Edge
Forest’s shot map showed a well-distributed attack, with three goals coming from varied areas of the pitch. Chris Wood and Callum Hudson-Odoi both found the net with high-impact finishes.
Southampton, while creating chances, relied heavily on low-probability opportunities, with their two goals coming from areas with limited xG. The Southampton shot map highlighted their struggle to create high-quality chances, with only five shots on target out of eight attempts. Forest’s defense blocked three key shots, stifling Southampton’s attack in critical moments.
Possession Tactics: Contrasting Styles
Southampton’s pass map showcased their structured build-up play, with Harwood-Bellis and Jan Bednarek central to their ball progression. Kyle Walker-Peters’ overlapping runs down the right created width, but Forest’s compact defensive shape thwarted most of Southampton’s final-third incursions.
Forest’s pass map emphasized verticality and directness, with Morgan Gibbs-White pivotal in linking play between midfield and attack. Neco Williams and Callum Hudson-Odoi combined effectively on the flanks, stretching Southampton’s defensive line.
Closing Thoughts
Forest’s ability to capitalize on moments of brilliance continues to propel them toward an unlikely top-four finish. Southampton will rue their lack of clinical finishing but can take heart from their improved possession play.
As the league takes shape, Nottingham Forest’s joint-second spot alongside Arsenal highlights their remarkable progress this season. A European berth is no longer just a dream—it’s becoming a tangible reality for the Tricky Trees.
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