Nottingham Forest staged a thrilling comeback to defeat West Ham United in a crucial Premier League relegation clash, thanks to a late penalty converted by Morgan Gibbs-White. The result provides Forest with vital breathing room in the battle to avoid the drop, while West Ham’s struggles continue, extending their winless streak to 10 matches.

Dramatic Late Penalty Secures Three Points

The defining moment came late in the match when West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola failed to reach a cross, instead colliding with Morgan Gibbs-White’s face. The video assistant referee (VAR) intervened, awarding Forest a penalty, which Gibbs-White calmly dispatched to seal a 1-2 win.

“We had the mentality to get the job done,” said Forest manager Sean Dyche, reflecting on the importance of the victory for his side.

This was Nottingham Forest’s first win in five matches, and it moves them further away from the relegation zone, leaving West Ham seven points adrift in 18th place.

West Ham Take Early Lead

West Ham took the lead in the 13th minute when a Crysencio Summerville corner was flicked on by Tomas Soucek, forcing Forest defender Murillo into an unfortunate own goal. The hosts dominated early, with Callum Hudson-Odoi hitting the crossbar and Summerville seeing another goal ruled out for offside involving West Ham’s new signing Valentin ‘Taty’ Castellanos, making his Premier League debut.

Despite this bright start, West Ham failed to extend their lead, allowing Forest to regain momentum.

Forest Fight Back

Forest’s equaliser came minutes into the second half with a goal mirroring West Ham’s opener. Elliot Anderson’s corner was met by Nicolas Dominguez, whose looping header restored parity. The team then endured sustained pressure from the visitors but maintained composure, ultimately capitalising on the late VAR-awarded penalty to claim all three points.

West Ham’s Struggles Continue

For manager Nuno Espirito Santo, the defeat represents another setback in a turbulent tenure. Since replacing Graham Potter in September, Nuno has collected just 11 points from 16 games, the lowest total for any West Ham manager in the Premier League era.

The Hammers’ new signings, Valentin Castellanos and Pablo Felipe, have yet to make a decisive impact. Castellanos worked hard but struggled to create chances, while Felipe’s efforts were deflected over the top. Without clinical finishing, West Ham’s fight to stay in the top flight remains an uphill battle.

“It was an embarrassing performance, and we need to improve quickly,” Nuno admitted after the match.

Fans expressed frustration, booing the team at full time, with many having left before the final whistle.

Forest Gain Crucial Momentum

For Sean Dyche, the victory reinforces a positive start to his stint at Forest, following the club’s managerial instability this season. Dyche has guided the team to 13 points from his first eight games, helping stabilize a side that had been perilously close to the relegation zone.

Forest’s next challenge comes in the FA Cup third round, with a trip to Wrexham on 10 January, followed by a Premier League clash against leaders Arsenal on 17 January. West Ham will face Queens Park Rangers in the FA Cup before a league trip to Tottenham later in the month.

Key Takeaways

• Nottingham Forest secure a vital 1-2 comeback win with a late penalty.
• West Ham remain in 18th place, extending their winless run to 10 games.
• Morgan Gibbs-White’s composure under pressure proves decisive.
• Nuno Espirito Santo’s Hammers struggle despite January signings Castellanos and Pablo Felipe.
• Forest gain breathing room in the relegation battle, improving morale ahead of upcoming fixtures.

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Player Ratings Highlights

• Forest Player of the Match: Neco Williams – 7.09
• West Ham: Jarrod Bowen – 5.21, Crysencio Summerville – 5.12, Valentin Castellanos – 4.56
• Nottingham Forest: Nicolas Dominguez – 6.92, Morgan Gibbs-White – 6.88