Premier League GW20 - Nottm Forest vs Man United

Nottm Forest vs Man United | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Nuno Espirito Santo led Nottingham Forest to a thrilling 2-1 victory over Manchester United at the City Ground, setting off a chain reaction that shook the Premier League. Morgan Gibbs-White was the day's MVP because of his skill, which allowed Forest to defeat the Red Devils at home for the first time.

Line ups:

Nottm Forest XI:

Matt Turner, Moussa Niakhaté, Gonzalo Montiel, Murillo Santiago, Ola Aina, Morgan Gibbs-White, Nicolas Dominguez, Anthony Elanga, Ryan Yates, Danilo dos Santos, Chris Wood.

SUBS: Odysseus Vlachodimos, Nuno Albertino Varelo Tavares, Joe Worrall, Neco Williams, Harry Toffolo, Willy-Arnaud Boly, Orel Mangala, Cheikhou Kouyate, Callum Hudson-Odoi

Man United XI:

Andre Onana, Raphael Varane, Jose Diogo Dalot, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Jonny Evans, Bruno Miguel Borges Fernandes, Christmas Eriksen, Alejandro Garnacho, Anthony Matheus dos Santos, Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford.

SUBS: Altay Bayindir, Sergio Reguilon, Willy Kambwala, Facundo Pellistri, Donny van de Beek, Scott McTominay, Daniel Gore, Hannibal Mejbri, Amad Diallo

City Ground Stadium | Picture Credits: Football Ground Guide

First Half: Spirited Start by Forest

Forest put up a strong early display in the game, and Chris Wood, full of confidence following his Boxing Day hat-trick, wasted a clear early opportunity. The hosts persisted in pressing, and for a brief while, United was worried about Raphael Varane's incorrect clearance.

With few opportunities in the first half, Forest's superiority was clear. United was unable to establish a rhythm, as seen by the one shot on goal that Aaron Wan-Bissaka deflected.

Second Half: Gibbs-White Seals the Victory

In the second half, Forest upped their game, and Diogo Dalot struck the crossbar for United. The game started when Varane was booked for tripping Elanga, while Gibbs-White was given a yellow card for several challenges.

The 64th minute proved to be Forest's lucky break. Gonzalo Montiel crossed for Dominguez after a calm passing sequence, and the player scored with a clinical first-time effort. United reacted quickly, and when Turner's clumsy pass was intercepted by Garnacho, Rashford equalised.

Turner saved himself with seconds remaining thanks to a stunning stop from Eriksen. Elanga lined up Gibbs-White for a first-time effort that flew beyond Onana as Forest seized the counterattack.

Ten minutes of additional time were added to the game, and United made a valiant effort to equalise. Eriksen's corner found Fernandes, but United's hopes were dashed by Turner's spectacular save and Murillo's deflection.

Forest's Triumph

Forest defeated Manchester United in a historic fashion, winning their first game against the Red Devils since November 1994. After the victory, they climbed to 15th place in the standings with 20 points, while United lost in the league for the ninth time this year and dropped to seventh place, nine points outside of the top four.

Nottingham Forest made Premier League history in an exciting match full of turns and turns, and the City Ground went wild in celebration. With a remarkable moment brought about by Nuno Espirito Santo's tactical skill and Gibbs-White's game-winning goal, Forest supporters were able to relish triumph over one of England's biggest footballing rivals.

A goalless first half for both the teams | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Dominguez scored a goal and broke the deadlock for Forest | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Rashford's goal levelled the score | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Gibbs-White's goal gave Forest a 2-1 lead | Picture Credits: Premier League Website