Premier League GW18 - Nottm Forest vs Bournemouth

Nottm Forest vs Bournemouth | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth squared up in a thrilling Premier League match at the City Ground. The story that came out was one of controversies, turns, and a spectacular hat-trick from Dominic Solanke of Bournemouth.

Nottm Forest:

Following their Premier League defeat against Tottenham, Nottingham Forest fired Steve Cooper. The Tricky Trees have only won once in their last 13 games and have suffered defeats in five of their last six top-flight encounters. After taking over in September 2021, Cooper managed to get Forest out of the Championship cellar and into the Premier League for the first time since 1999. He then managed to retain the team in the league by finishing in 16th place. The Englishman has been replaced by Nuno Espirito Santo, who was fired by Saudi Pro League team Al-Ittihad in November. He struggled at Tottenham, where he only lasted 17 games, but he was successful at Wolves, leading them into the Europa League. Although Forest is six points clear of the relegation zone, they should be cautious of Luton Town, who are six points below them and have a game coming up.

Bournemouth:

With four wins in their previous five Premier League games, Bournemouth has been in incredible form, moving up to 13th place from 17th. The Cherries, who have also gone undefeated in their previous six games, appeared to be on track to maintain their impressive run of play when Dominic Solanke cancelled out Elijah Adebayo's early strike against Luton in the second half of their most recent game. But a few minutes later, Hatters captain Tom Lockyer passed out on the field due to a heart arrest. To a burst of ovation from both sets of fans, he was stretchered off. The entire match will be replayed after it was abandoned. For the first time, Bournemouth will be attempting to win four straight games while traveling in the Premier League, and they will be buoyed by their most recent trip to the City Ground. After trailing 2-0, the Cherries rallied for a 3-2 victory, with goals from Jaidon Anthony, Philip Billing, and Solanke.

Starting XI:

NOTTINGHAM FOREST (4-2-3-1):

Matt Turner; Neco Williams, Willy-Arnaud Boly, Murillo, Harry Toffolo; Ryan Yates, Orel Mangala; Divock Origi, Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Elanga; Chris Wood.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST SUBS: Nuno Tavares, Cheikhou Kouyate, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Nicolas Domínguez, Moussa Niakhate, Odysseas Vlachodimos, Danilo, Gonzalo Montiel, Ola Aina.

BOURNEMOUTH (4-2-3-1):

Neto; Adam Smith, Illia Zabarnyi, Marcos Senesi, Dango Ouattara; Lewis Cook, Ryan Christie; Philip Billing, Antoine Semenyo, Marcus Tavernier; Dominic Solanke.

BOURNEMOUTH SUBS: Chris Mepham, David Brooks, Joe Rothwell, Alex Scott, Luis Sinisterra, Justin Kluivert, Kieffer Moore, Mark Travers, Ben Greenwood.

City Ground Stadium | Picture Credits: Football Ground Guide

First Half: Controversy and Goalkeeping Brilliance

There was a goalless draw in the first half, but not without considerable drama. Willy-Arnaud Boly of Forest was given a dubious second yellow card, leaving the home team with just ten men. Adam Smith of Bournemouth had his arm smacked by a cross, prompting VAR to rule on a penalty claim; nonetheless, Forest lost the appeal. Despite having less players on the pitch, Matt Turner, the Forest goalkeeper, made vital stops to prevent Bournemouth from scoring.

Second Half: Elanga's Opener and Solanke's Heroics

It took two minutes for the second half to get underway. Anthony Elanga of Forest scored the first goal for the home team with a calm strike that curled into the bottom corner. But Bournemouth answered quickly. In order to tie the score at one, Solanke first looped a header over Turner. Then, taking advantage of a defensive error, the striker poked the ball home to give Bournemouth the lead.

Chris Wood headed a header into the goal to tie the game at 2-2, demonstrating Forest's tenacity. The drama grew when Marcus Tavernier of Bournemouth cleared a shot off the line to deny Forest the lead. Bournemouth had a near miss with the post in the eighty-fourth minute.

Solanke's name was all over the headlines as the game was coming to an end. With a strong header from Smith's accurate cross in the ninetieth minute, he completed his hat-trick and Bournemouth won 3-2. Players' heads colliding caused the game to stop, heightening the drama of an already intense encounter.

Bournemouth's Resilience and Forest's Frustration

Bournemouth secured an important away win with a spectacular comeback that demonstrated their attacking prowess and endurance. The anger Nottingham Forest feels stems from debatable choices and squandered chances. Another chapter in the surprising story of the Premier League was revealed by the rollercoaster at the City Ground.

With his late heroics, Dominic Solanke stole the show, but Bournemouth is already looking forward to their next test against Fulham. Nottingham Forest, however, needs to regroup in order to get ready for a difficult matchup with Newcastle United. This match will go down in history as evidence of the timeless drama that the beautiful game can provide in the unpredictable world of football. The echoes of Solanke's hat-trick reverberate at the City Ground till next time.

Fearless goalkeeping throughout the first half | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Elanga scored and broke the deadlock for Forest | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Wood's goal levelled the score to 2-2 | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Solanke's hat-trick sealed Bournemouth's victory | Picture Credits: Premier League Website