The cold January rain at the London Stadium provided a fittingly grim backdrop for what many billed as the ultimate “six-pointer” of the season.
On Tuesday night, West Ham vs Nottm Forest delivered exactly the kind of high-stakes, nerve-shredding football that defines the Premier League’s survival race.
In a match filled with VAR controversy, a debutant’s struggle, and a late goalkeeping error, Nottingham Forest emerged as 2-1 victors, leaving the Hammers in a state of absolute crisis.
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West Ham vs Nottingham Forest
West Ham vs Nottm Forest: The game began with the intensity of a cup final.
West Ham looked determined to snap their nine-game winless streak and took the lead in the 13th minute.
After a dangerous corner from Summerville, Tomas Soucek flicked the ball toward the near post, where Forest defender Murillo inadvertently turned it into his own net.
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The home crowd erupted, sensing a long-awaited turning point.
West Ham vs Nottm Forest: However, the momentum shifted dramatically early in the second half.
In the 52nd minute, Crysencio Summerville thought he had doubled the lead with a crisp strike, but a lengthy VAR review ruled it out for a marginal offside against debutant Taty Castellanos.
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Just three minutes later, Nottingham Forest capitalized on the Hammers’ frustration.
Nicolas Dominguez rose highest to meet Elliot Anderson’s corner, looping a header over Alphonse Areola to level the score.
The tension reached its peak in the 89th minute when Areola, attempting to punch away a cross, caught Morgan Gibbs-White in the face.
Referee Tony Harrington pointed to the spot after a monitor review, and Gibbs-White coolly converted the penalty to seal the win.
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Nottingham Forest F.C.
West Ham vs Nottm Forest This victory feels like a landmark moment for Nottingham Forest F.C. under the stewardship of Sean Dyche.
Since taking over in October, Dyche has worked tirelessly to instill a “never-say-die” mentality in the Garibaldi.
This win was their first in five matches and showcased the resilience that Dyche-led teams are famous for.
Despite falling behind early, Forest didn’t panic, relying on a disciplined low block and the creativity of Morgan Gibbs-White to find a way back.
With this result, Forest have created a significant seven-point buffer between themselves and the bottom three, allowing their fans to finally breathe a little easier as they look up the table.
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West Ham vs Nottingham Forest Lineups
West Ham vs Nottm Forest: The West Ham vs Nottingham Forest lineups reflected two managers searching for a spark.
Nuno Espirito Santo handed a full debut to £26m Argentinian striker Taty Castellanos, who showed flashes of quality but ultimately lacked service.
The Hammers’ midfield featured Lucas Paqueta and Mateus Fernandes, while Jarrod Bowen captained the side from the right wing.
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On the opposite side, Sean Dyche stuck to a sturdy 4-2-3-1.
Matz Sels remained reliable in goal, supported by the central defensive pairing of Milenkovic and the unfortunate Murillo.
Neco Williams and Ola Aina provided energy on the flanks, while a front three of Hudson-Odoi, Elliot Anderson, and the match-winner Gibbs-White supported Igor Jesus up top.
West Ham vs Nottm Forest The substitution of Dilane Bakwa at halftime proved pivotal, adding much-needed pace to the Forest attack.
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West Ham vs Nottingham Forest Stats
A look at the West Ham vs Nottingham Forest stats reveals a match that was remarkably balanced until the final whistle.
West Ham enjoyed 52% of the possession and registered 14 shots compared to Forest’s 11.
West Ham vs Nottm Forest However, Forest were far more clinical when it mattered, putting 5 shots on target.
The defensive stats also highlight Forest’s resilience; Murillo made a staggering 8 clearances and 3 blocks, effectively making up for his early own goal.
West Ham vs Nottm Forest Discipline was an issue for the frustrated Hammers, with Tony Harrington showing yellow cards to Todibo, Mavropanos, and even manager Nuno Espirito Santo for his protests on the touchline.
West Ham vs Nottingham Forest Standings
West Ham vs Nottm Forest The impact of this result on the West Ham vs Nottingham Forest standings is profound.
Forest have climbed to 17th place with 18 points, moving seven points clear of West Ham, who remain mired in the relegation zone in 18th place with just 14 points.
For the Hammers, the gap to safety is starting to look like a mountain.
West Ham vs Nottm Forest With Burnley and Wolves also picking up points recently, the threat of Championship football next season is becoming a very real prospect for the East London club.
West Ham News
Predictably, the latest West Ham news is dominated by speculation regarding the future of Nuno Espirito Santo.
Having gone ten Premier League games without a win, the pressure on the Portuguese manager has reached a breaking point.
Fans at the London Stadium made their feelings known at full-time with a chorus of boos, and reports suggest the board is already considering potential replacements, with Slaven Bilic’s name being mentioned in various circles.
With a difficult trip to face an in-form Chelsea next weekend, the clock is ticking for Nuno to save his job.
