Forest thrash Sunderland to boost survival hopes

Published on

Nottingham Forest boosted their survival hopes with a 5-0 win over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Friday.

The result lifts Forest eight points clear of the relegation zone with five matches remaining, tightening the battle for the final drop spot.

Sunderland controlled early possession but Forest carried the greater threat. The visitors took the lead in the 17th minute when Trai Hume turned Igor Jesus’ header into his own net.

That goal set the tone for a clinical first half. Chris Wood doubled the lead in the 31st minute after a mistake from goalkeeper Robin Roefs, before Morgan Gibbs-White made it 3-0 with a volley.

Igor Jesus added a fourth soon after, finishing at the back post to leave the hosts under pressure before the break.

Sunderland responded after half-time and thought they had pulled a goal back through Dan Ballard, but the effort was ruled out for a foul in the build-up.

Forest remained in control and added a fifth in stoppage time when Elliot Anderson finished from close range.

The win takes Forest to 39 points and within reach of safety after a strong run of form, with the side now unbeaten in six league matches.

Manager Vitor Pereira said his team’s improvement has come from consistency.

AFRICA PICKS: Football tips and predictions

“We are in a good moment because we have created the right mentality,” he said.

“Now we have more time working together, we are able to compete in every game and take points.”

Forest’s result increases the pressure on Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United, who remain separated by just two points as the relegation battle continues.

– AFP

Photo: REUTERS/Scott Heppell 

Post by

Dylan Johnson