03/02/2025

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Forest on fire Nuno admits Nottingham were ruthless in their demolition of Brighton N UNO ESPIRITO SANTO said Nottingham Forest’s 7-0 victory over Brighton was beyond his expectations as they bounced back from the previous week’s heavy defeat to get their European hopes back on track. results are not normal in the Premier League what happened last week and this week,” Nuno added. “It becomes really difficult when you are on the other side, we felt it last week when your opponents are ruthless like we were today, so we wanted to respond.

Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood celebrates after scoring their third goal against Brighton. – AFPPIC

“Fantastic day, what more can you ask? It was so different to what happened last week and what happened today. I’d rather be in the middle of it, not so high and not so low.” On the Forest fans, Nuno said: “Their support is great and we cannot thank them enough. It was beautiful to see the atmosphere at the City Ground, seeing our fans happy is what we work for. “At the same time, seeing our players and the way they celebrate the other players’ goals, is important. “It’s important for us that we keep this team spirit and try to build. We are confident going forwards.” Goalscorer Elanga encouraged the Forest fans to get excited about the potential of watching Champions League football next year. Speaking to TNT Sports , Elanga said: “It is all about taking it game by game. We can’t be complacent. “We have to keep working hard and continue to let our football do the talking and let the fans continue to believe.” Brighton suffered their heaviest league defeat since losing 9-0 to Middlesbrough back in the 1958-59 season. Manager Fabian Hurzeler apologised to the fans and insisted everyone has to take the blame. He said: “It’s not an easy one to take but it’s football and is part of the business to deal with these days and keep staying positive, and finding solutions and take responsibility for that result and performance. “We have to look in the mirror and say this is not how we want to play football. We have to apologise for this result. “When you lose 7-0 there won’t be many positives. I’m new in the Premier League, I’m sure we will find solutions, getting bad losses is part of the process. Being successful is not a comfortable journey.” – The Independent/ Agencies

Morgan Gibbs-White was a class above in the first period and his menacing ball into the box was inadvertently turned into his own goal by Lewis Dunk to get the rout under way. The hosts had two more before the break, Gibbs-White turned from creator to provider to nod home Anthony Elanga’s corner before Chris Wood inevitably got himself on the scoresheet and give them a 3-0 lead at the halfway point. Forest showed no signs of letting up after the interval, Wood scored twice in five second-half minutes for his third Premier League hattrick and Brighton’s disconsolate afternoon was rubber stamped when Neco Williams and Jota Silva added goals late on.

“We were looking for a response and our responsibility to do much better. Last week was not good enough and the response of the

players was beyond our expectations,” Nuno said. “I’m always looking

forward to what I have and I’m hoping it continues. You cannot judge

whether it’s the best one or not. “We were very fortunate and lucky to score first, an own goal but it was a good movement from Morgan (Gibbs-White). “He stepped into the box, had a good delivery and Brighton reacted immediately. After that, it is always difficult. “They were ruthless in their desire, they wanted to show their talent. Morgan was amazing. More than anything, it is the way he works for the team, the way he helps. “Three assists from Anthony (Elanga) also – a hattrick of assists so more delight… so overall very good all the players.” Forest arguably put on their best performance of the season and any lasting damage from their 5 0 defeat to Bournemouth the previous week were totally wiped out by half-time. “It shows desire, but we have to realise these

Lucky Reds

Real shocker

- Story on page 29

- Story on page 30

- Story on page 31

No fear

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