Nottingham Forest put on a clinical attacking display to outgun Ipswich Town 4-2 in an entertaining match filled with goalmouth action. Despite Ipswich enjoying more possession, Forest’s cutting edge in the final third proved decisive, securing three valuable points.
Forest Take Their Chances, Ipswich Fall Short
Ipswich Town controlled 59% possession and attempted 10 shots, generating an xG of 0.96, but they struggled to convert chances consistently. Nottingham Forest, despite seeing less of the ball (41% possession), were much more efficient in front of goal, scoring four times from 11 shots with an xG of 1.21.
Forest struck first through Nikola Milenkovi? (34′), before Anthony Elanga (37′, 41′) extended the lead with two sharp finishes inside the box. Ipswich hit back in the second half with goals from Jesper Cajuste (81′) and George Hirst (93′), but Forest sealed the win late on with Jota Silva (86′) putting the game to bed.
Match Momentum: Forest Strike in Clusters
The momentum graph highlights Forest’s dominance in crucial phases of the match. They took control midway through the first half, scoring three times in a seven-minute spell. Ipswich attempted to mount a comeback in the second half but only managed to convert late on when the game was already slipping away.
Ipswich’s best spell came between the 75th and 90th minutes, where they saw more possession in advanced areas and generated their second goal. However, Forest’s defensive structure and counter-attacking threat kept them at arm’s length.
Shot Analysis: Forest More Clinical in the Box
Nottingham Forest’s 11 shots were well-distributed, with 6 hitting the target and 4 finding the back of the net. Their shot map shows that they focused attacks inside the penalty area, capitalizing on high-xG chances.
Ipswich, meanwhile, had 10 shots, but only 4 were on target. Their xG of 0.96 indicates they weren’t creating clear-cut chances at the same level as Forest. Their shot placement was more varied, with some efforts coming from outside the box, reducing the threat level.
Possession Tactics: Ipswich Dominate, Forest Counter with Precision
Ipswich’s pass map shows a structured build-up through midfield, with Jesper Philogene and Kieran Phillips linking up well. However, their final ball often lacked penetration, making it easier for Forest to absorb pressure and hit on the counter.
Forest’s pass map reveals a more direct approach, using Morgan Gibbs-White and Callum Hudson-Odoi as key outlets on the break. Chris Wood acted as a central pivot, linking play before Elanga and Silva provided the finishing touch in front of goal.
A Statement Win for Forest
Nottingham Forest continue their strong form, showing that they can be lethal on the counter while maintaining defensive solidity. Ipswich, on the other hand, will need to be more clinical if they are to turn possession dominance into points. A thrilling game, but Forest’s quality in decisive moments proved the difference.