Premier League GW21 - Brentford vs Nottm Forest

Brentford vs Nottm Forest | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

At a critical point in each team's season, struggling Brentford and Nottingham Forest squared off in a Premier League match. Brentford was looking for a turnaround after going through a difficult stretch of seven losses in their previous eight games. Conversely, Forest sought to continue their winning run, spurred on by recent triumphs under new manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

Brentford:

In the Premier League, Brentford is having a difficult time right now. They have lost seven of their past eight games, including their previous five. The outcome is that the Bees are now only three points above the relegation zone in 16th place in the table, down from ninth place. Thomas Frank would have liked to have seen his team improve in the FA Cup third round, but instead of winning, they drew with Wolves and then lost 3-2 in extra time in the replay, continuing their miserable run. They have, however, benefited from the return of striker Ivan Toney, who was suspended for eight months for violating betting regulations. Many Premier League teams have expressed interest in signing the forward, and there have been numerous reports linking him to a move away from the club. However, today's attention will be entirely on his return to play.

Nottm Forest:

After winning back-to-back Premier League games, Forest has risen four points out of the relegation zone. Tricky Trees supporters were upset when well-liked manager Steve Cooper was fired following the team's defeat to Tottenham; throughout his tenure, the team had only won once in 13 games. However, Nuno Espirito Santo, the new manager, has made a good impression. After losing 3-2 to Bournemouth in his debut game as manager, Forest went on to defeat Manchester United and Newcastle United. Midweek saw them participate in the FA Cup as well, having overcome a two-goal deficit to force a rematch against League One Blackpool. After goals from Danilo and Andrew Omobamidele placed the Tricky Trees up, Albie Morgan and Kyle Joseph tied the score for the Tangerines, but the Tricky Trees remained in command. Chris Wood scored the game-winning goal to send Forest into a round-two clash with Bristol City, but in extra time, they proved to be too strong for their opponents.

Line Ups:

BRENTFORD (3-5-2):

Mark Flekken; Nathan Collins, Ben Mee, Ethan Pinnock; Mads Roerslev, Vitaly Janelt, Mathias Jensen, Mikkel Damsgaard, Keane Lewis-Potter; Neal Maupay, Ivan Toney.

BRENTFORD SUBS: Josh Dasilva, Sergio Reguilon, Zanka, Kristoffer Ajer, Thomas Strakosha, Myles Peart-Harris, Myles Peart-Harris, Myles Peart-Harris, Michael Olakigbe.

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

​Matt Turner; Gonzalo Montiel, Andrew Omobamidele, Murillo, Nuno Tavares; Orel Mangala, Danilo; Nicolas Dominguez, Ryan Yates, Callum Hudson-Odoi; Chris Wood.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST SUBS: Joe Worrall, Neco Williams, Harry Toffolo, Odysseas Vlachodimos, Scott McKenna, Brandon Aguilera, Brandon Aguilera, Jamie McDonnell, Joe Gardner.

Gtech Community Stadium | Picture Credits: talkSPORT

First Half: Danilo's Early Stunner and Toney's Return

The third minute saw Forest take the lead, setting the tone for an exciting start to the match. Danilo took advantage of a defensive error to volley the ball past Brentford custodian Mark Flekken. Ivan Toney, the lucky charm for Brentford, made a grand entrance upon his comeback in the 19th minute. The score was tied at one goal when Toney curled in an incredible free kick from just outside the box. Even though Forest had the early upper hand, Toney's return gave the Bees new vitality.

With the score at 1-1 at the end of the first half, Toney's comeback was the main attraction. Lewis-Potter's close calls against the crossbar demonstrated Brentford's tenacity and attacking drive.

Second Half: Mee's Header and Wood's Response

With Brentford taking the lead in the 58th minute, the second half descended into a goal frenzy. The Bees went ahead 2-1 as Ben Mee headed in a cross from Mathias Jensen. In the 65th minute, Forest quickly equalised the score at 2-2 as Chris Wood headed home a perfect cross from Callum Hudson-Odoi.

After a well delivered cross from Roerslev, Neal Maupay showed incredible talent to spin past a defender and blast his shot into the bottom-right corner, adding to the drama in the 68th minute. Despite a VAR check for handball, the goal stood, giving Brentford a 3-2 lead.

With Dominguez, Wood, and Mangala posing threats, Forest pushed for an equaliser in the last minutes. But Brentford did not give up. The thrilling fight was made even more tense in the 88th minute when Roerslev was treated for an incidental injury.

Brentford Secures Vital Win

After recovering an early deficit, Brentford defeated Nottingham Forest 3-2 in an exciting match. Mee's vital header, Maupay's game-winning goal, and Toney's comeback gave Brentford a much-needed victory. With the victory, Brentford is now six points clear of the relegation zone, which significantly boosts morale. Conversely, Forest will get back together for their next FA Cup matchup with Bristol City. As the drama of the Premier League plays out, Brentford's tenacity is evident in this exciting match.

Danilo scored with 5 minutes of the match which gave Forest a 1-0 lead | Picture Credits: IMAGO Images

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

Mee scored a goal which gave Brentford a lead of 2-1 | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Wood's goal for Forest levelled the score again | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Maupay scored a goal which increased Brentford's lead again to 3-2 | Picture Credits: Premier League Website