From the outset, Nottingham Forest looked determined, punishing Brighton’s defensive vulnerabilities. The hosts registered an astonishing 3.61 expected goals (xG) and remarkably converted nearly all their high-value chances. Chris Wood led the way with a hat trick, while Neco Williams, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Jota Silva joined in on the scoring spree. Brighton, on the other hand, struggled despite seeing more of the ball (62% possession). Their attack was toothless, finishing with just 0.64 xG and failing to register a single goal despite a handful of decent opportunities.
Match Momentum: Forest’s Relentless Surge
The match momentum graph tells the story of Brighton’s initial control, but it was Forest who struck when it mattered. After a relatively even start, the game tipped heavily in favor of the hosts from the 25th minute onward. Morgan Gibbs-White’s early goal gave Forest confidence, and from there, Brighton found themselves overwhelmed by quick transitions and direct play.
Chris Wood’s two second-half goals (63’, 69’) further cemented the dominance, while late goals from Neco Williams (89’) and Jota Silva (91’) ensured an emphatic victory.
Shot Analysis: Forest Clinical, Brighton Wasteful
The shot maps reveal a massive disparity in finishing quality. Nottingham Forest converted 7 of their 12 shots, with an xG of 3.61, showcasing an elite level of finishing. They targeted central areas, exploiting Brighton’s gaps with well-timed runs and clever movement inside the box.
In contrast, Brighton attempted 10 shots but failed to score. Their xG of 0.64 reflects their struggles in creating clear-cut chances. Many of their shots were speculative efforts from outside the box or low-percentage positions, leading to a frustrating evening for Roberto De Zerbi’s men.
Possession Tactics: Brighton’s Control vs. Forest’s Direct Play
Brighton’s pass map shows a clear attempt to dominate the ball, with Lewis Dunk and Jan Paul van Hecke dictating play from deep. João Pedro and Kaoru Mitoma tried to find openings, but their movement was too predictable, often forcing Brighton into wide areas where Forest defended resolutely.
Forest’s pass map, on the other hand, highlights their direct and vertical style. Morgan Gibbs-White was central to transitions, linking up with Chris Wood and Anthony Elanga in a fluid attack. Danilo played a key role in breaking up Brighton’s midfield control and quickly feeding the forward players.
Final Thoughts: A Tactical Masterclass
This was a performance that will send a message to the rest of the Premier League. Nottingham Forest exposed Brighton’s weaknesses perfectly, defending deep, winning the ball in key areas, and striking with ruthless precision. Brighton, for all their possession, lacked the penetration and urgency to break down a well-structured Forest defense.
As the season progresses, Forest will look to build on this result, while Brighton must regroup and find a way to turn possession into meaningful chances. For now, though, this night belongs to Nottingham Forest—utterly dominant, brilliantly effective, and devastating in front of goal.