Nottingham Forest extended their lead by five points beyond the Premier League relegation zone while intensifying the scrutiny on West Ham United manager David Moyes, clinching a well-deserved victory at the City Ground.
Taiwo Awoniyi broke the deadlock just before halftime, handing the home team a crucial lead, while Callum Hudson-Odoi sealed the win in added time, marking his third consecutive goal-scoring game.
On loan from midfielder Kalvin Phillips, West Ham suffered a dismal outing, receiving two yellow cards within three minutes during the second half, compounding their struggles.
Forest’s ascent to 15th place contrasts sharply with Moyes’ team, who failed to recover from their 6-0 defeat against Arsenal last Sunday, maintaining their position in eighth place.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad, despite enduring six defeats in their last seven home matches, capitalized on facing a West Ham side demoralized by their recent thrashing.
Although striker Michail Antonio returned to the starting lineup for the first time since mid-November, West Ham encountered difficulties in creating clear-cut chances.
Following Phillips’ expulsion, Forest intensified their pursuit of a second goal and contested a potential penalty when Maxwel Cornet appeared to step on Neco Williams’ ankle. Referee Tom Bramall intervened in the 90th minute, disallowing Danilo’s powerful effort due to Ryan Yates’ offside position, sparing goalkeeper Alphonse Areola’s blushes.
As Nottingham Forest gains momentum, West Ham faces mounting pressure to revive their performance and secure crucial points in their Premier League campaign.
