Nottingham Forest reignited their hopes of a UEFA Champions League spot with a vital 2-1 away win over West Ham United at the London Stadium, ending a frustrating four-match winless run and breathing life into their top-five ambitions.
Heading into this high-stakes clash, the pressure was mounting on Nuno Espírito Santo’s side. Recent form had threatened to derail their season, and anything less than three points in East London could have ended their European dream. But Forest showed grit, capitalized on West Ham’s mistakes, and held firm through a tense finish to secure three priceless points.
Gibbs-White Pounces as Areola Gifts Forest the Lead
The game exploded into action within the opening minutes, with both teams showing intent. West Ham nearly took the lead inside two minutes when Tomáš Souček’s powerful header forced a fine reflex save from Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels.
But Forest weren’t just there to defend. Just moments later, Ola Aina’s long throw caused chaos in the box, and Morgan Gibbs-White met it at the far post. His volley was met by an outstanding leg save from Alphonse Areola — a moment that seemed to suggest the French keeper was ready for redemption.
However, that idea was quickly erased. In the 19th minute, Areola turned villain, making a costly error by passing the ball straight into Gibbs-White’s path. The Forest attacker made no mistake, slotting calmly into an empty net to make it 1-0 and silence the home crowd.
A goal for Taiwo. pic.twitter.com/imYF6HhVZ6
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) May 18, 2025
Missed Chances and a Surprise Return
Nottingham grew in confidence after the opener. Chris Wood nearly made it two, his powerful shot forcing another strong save from Areola late in the first half. The visitors were the better side going into the break, having controlled much of the tempo and created the better chances.
In a surreal twist after the interval, Forest centre-back Murillo, who had been stretchered off just before halftime, made a dramatic return, jogging back out for the second half. But it was his defensive partner who made the headlines next.
Milenković Doubles the Lead — After Lengthy VAR Drama
Six minutes into the second half, Nikola Milenković latched onto Anthony Elanga’s low cross and calmly guided the ball into the back of the net. The London Stadium fell silent as referee Chris Kavanagh waited for VAR confirmation of a possible offside. After six tense minutes, the goal stood, and Forest led 2-0.
The goal marked Milenković’s first of the season and came at a perfect time for a team desperate to secure Champions League football next season.
Bowen’s Screamer Sparks Late Chaos
As the game wore on, Forest attempted to shut up shop with tactical changes, including switching to a back five. But the decision nearly backfired. Substitute Marato mishit a clearance straight into the path of Jarrod Bowen, who unleashed a thunderbolt into the top corner with just over 10 minutes to go.
The goal brought life back into the Hammers and had Forest fans nervously checking the time. When 11 minutes of injury time were shown, it seemed like heartbreak was on the horizon.
But Neco Williams and the Forest backline stood tall. The Welsh full-back even made a crucial block to deny Luis Guilherme a certain equalizer in the dying stages. Despite relentless pressure, Forest managed to see out the result.
European Dreams Still Alive
The 2-1 win lifts Forest into sixth place on the Premier League table — temporarily level on points with Chelsea — and sets up a thrilling final day showdown at home against the Blues. With the top five potentially guaranteeing Champions League qualification depending on other European results, Forest know that victory on the final day could seal their place among Europe’s elite for next season.
For West Ham, the result is mostly symbolic. With nothing left to fight for, their only motivation now is to avoid finishing as the lowest-ranked team in the top half.
Only one point spilts third and seventh!
Three teams will join Liverpool and Arsenal in the top five and qualify for the Champions League. Who do you think it will be? pic.twitter.com/dsUgwmf1GK
— Premier League (@premierleague) May 18, 2025
Stats That Tell the Story
-
Possession: West Ham 58% – 42% Forest
-
Shots on target: West Ham 4 – 6 Forest
-
Man of the Match: Morgan Gibbs-White (1 goal, 90% pass accuracy)
-
Nottingham Forest have now scored in each of their last seven Premier League games.
-
Nikola Milenković’s goal was his first in English football.
As Forest head into the final day, belief is back. The race for Europe is going down to the wire — and the Tricky Trees are still very much in it.
READ NEXT:
