Brentford ended their seven-game winless streak with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest on Saturday, marking Ivan Toney’s return from an eight-month ban.

Toney, who was suspended for 232 breaches of betting rules in May, wasted no time making an impact, scoring a clever free-kick just 19 minutes into the game and playing the full duration.

The decisive goal, however, came from Neal Maupay, who displayed brilliance with a touch and volley 22 minutes from the final whistle.

This crucial win propelled Brentford to 14th place, lifting them above Nottingham Forest and securing a six-point buffer from the relegation zone.

The defeat added to Forest’s woes as they admitted to breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules last season.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side is now anxiously looking over their shoulders, sitting just four points above the relegation zone, with the potential threat of a points deduction looming.

Forest’s challenging week continued with the absence of six players participating in the Africa Cup of Nations and key player Morgan Gibbs-White sidelined due to injury.

Despite a strong start with Danilo’s early strike, Forest struggled, and Toney’s return proved pivotal for Brentford. The 27-year-old showcased his prowess with a free-kick that curled around the Forest wall, reminiscent of what Brentford had been missing.

Keane Lewis-Potter missed several opportunities for Brentford, but they eventually took the lead when Ben Mee powered in Mathias Jensen’s corner.

However, the advantage was short-lived, as Chris Wood equalized with a header from Callum Hudson-Odoi’s cross.

Orel Mangala came close to giving Forest the lead, but Brentford regained control when Maupay expertly controlled Mads Roerslav’s cross, securing his third goal in as many games and sealing Brentford’s much-needed victory.