Nottingham Forest notched up a 2-1 win against Sheffield United in their English Premier League clash, thanks to a late 89th-minute goal from substitute Chris Wood.
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Forest managed to claim their first points of the season following a defeat at the hands of Arsenal in the previous week. On the other hand, Sheffield United suffered their second consecutive loss since returning to the top-flight after two seasons.
Taiwo Awoniyi provided an early lead for Forest within the first three minutes, converting a perfect cross from Serge Aurier. However, Gus Hamer responded for Sheffield in the 48th minute with a stunning strike, levelling the scores.
Start your weekend off the right way 😏
The goals from our first #PL win of the season 🎬 pic.twitter.com/LVCSCLZY5c
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) August 19, 2023
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As the match progressed, both teams fought to break the deadlock, with Forest struggling to find their rhythm in the second half. The Blades displayed resilience and created opportunities, even coming close to taking the lead at 1-1.
Despite Sheffield’s strong efforts, Forest managed to secure the victory in the dying moments of the game. Chris Wood, who joined permanently from Newcastle after a loan spell, proved to be the hero as he converted Aurier’s accurate cross with a well-placed header.
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Sheffield might feel unlucky not to have earned more from the match, especially considering their improved performance in the second half. The City Ground has once again played a crucial role in Forest’s success, as it did during the previous season when the team secured important points for their safety.
Forest’s triumph also marked a significant achievement, as they equaled their Premier League club record of four consecutive home victories. This feat was last achieved in January 1996.
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The early lead for Forest was established by Brennan Johnson, who set up Serge Aurier on the right wing, allowing him to deliver an impeccable cross for Awoniyi to head the ball home from close range.
Sheffield displayed a strong start to the second half and managed to level the score in the 48th minute, courtesy of debutant Gus Hamer’s impressive goal. Hamer scored off a corner that Forest failed to clear properly, sending a curling shot into the top corner of the net.
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As Sheffield gained momentum, Forest had to endure moments of pressure, but they maintained a threat on counterattacks, with the pace of Awoniyi causing difficulties for the opposition defense.
Ultimately, Forest secured their victory when Chris Wood, who had come on as a substitute for Awoniyi, found the back of the net with a precise header from another well-placed cross by Serge Aurier.
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With his 56th Premier League goal, Wood joined Tim Cahill as the third-highest goal scorer among players from Oceania. Mark Viduka leads with 92 goals, followed by Harry Kewell with 57.
