The Reds Overcome West Ham in Thrilling Match and Stay in UCL Hunt
In an action-packed clash, Nottingham Forest defeated West Ham 2-1 this Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the London Stadium in Matchweek 37 of the Premier League. With goals from Morgan Gibbs-White and Nikola Milenkovic, Nuno Espírito Santo’s side kept their hopes of qualifying for the 2025/26 Champions League alive.
Image by: thetimes.com
West Ham, already with little to play for in the league, responded with a goal from Jarrod Bowen but couldn’t avoid the loss. The result leaves Forest in 7th place with 65 points, still in the race for a Champions League spot, while West Ham remains in 15th, with 40 points.
Image by: thesun.co.uk
The final matchday promises to be decisive, with Forest hosting Chelsea in a clash that could define their European fate.
🌳 First Half: Forest Dominates and Opens the Scoring
🔹 Tactical Setup
⚽ Key First Half Moments
11’ – GOAL NOTTINGHAM FOREST! Morgan Gibbs-White Opens the Scoring
What happened: Areola made a costly error trying to play out from the back, handing the ball to Gibbs-White, who coolly slotted it in. 0-1!
Tribute: Gibbs-White displayed a shirt honoring Taiwo Awoniyi, Forest’s striker currently hospitalized after abdominal surgery.
25’ – Chris Wood Hits the Post!
Moment: Following a corner, Wood headed powerfully, but the ball slammed off Areola’s post.
45+2’ – Yellow Card for Vladimír Coufal
Reason: A hard foul on Anthony Elanga during a counterattack.
⚔️ Second Half: Forest Doubles Lead, West Ham Reacts, But Can’t Avoid Defeat
🔹 Tactical Changes
- West Ham: Lucas Paquetá, Edson Álvarez, and Carlos Soler subbed in to increase attacking pressure.
- Nottingham Forest: Morato, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Danilo came on to hold the lead.
⚽ Key Second Half Moments
61’ – GOAL NOTTINGHAM FOREST! Nikola Milenkovic Doubles the Lead
What happened: Elanga delivered a free-kick into the box, and Milenkovic headed it in. 0-2!
VAR: The play was reviewed for potential offside on Domínguez, but the goal stood.
76’ – Yellow Card for Lucas Paquetá
Reason: Tactical foul on Gibbs-White to stop a counterattack.
87’ – GOAL WEST HAM! Jarrod Bowen Pulls One Back
Moment: After a lofted ball into the box, Bowen controlled and smashed in a stunning volley. 1-2!
90+5’ – Crucial Save by Matz Sels!
Moment: Niclas Füllkrug’s powerful header was miraculously saved by Sels to secure the win.
📈 Premier League Table Impact
- Nottingham Forest: A win over Chelsea on the final day could secure Champions League qualification.
- West Ham: Already mathematically safe, now focusing on pre-season preparations.
🔍 Tactical Analysis: How Did Forest Win?
Image by: zerozero.pt
✅ Nottingham Forest – Strengths
- Quick Transitions: Elanga and Gibbs-White were key on the break.
- Set Pieces: Milenkovic was crucial with his headed goal.
- Solid Defense: Murillo, Neco Williams and Matz Sels stood out with their performances.
❌ Nottingham Forest – Weaknesses
- Lack of Midfield Control: Lost possession dominance in the second half.
- Reliance on Counters: Struggled to create against a compact defense.
✅ West Ham – Strengths
- Late Response: Bowen’s goal showed quality.
- Organized Midfield: Ward-Prowse and Souček controlled the tempo well.
❌ West Ham – Weaknesses
- Defensive Errors: Areola’s mistake led to the opening goal.
- Lack of Creativity: Kudus and Bowen were often isolated.
⭐ Man of the Match: Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest)
Image by: thickaccent.com
- 1 goal
- 3 successful dribbles
- 2 chances created
- Emotional tribute to Awoniyi
📌 Match Facts
- Forest hadn’t beaten West Ham away since 2012.
- Bowen scored his 12th goal of the season.
- Nuno Espírito Santo has a positive record against West Ham (6 wins in 9 matches).
⏭️ Next Fixtures
- Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea (Final Premier League Matchday – Sunday, 25/05)
- West Ham vs Ipswich Town (Final Premier League Matchday)
🎯 All to Play for on the Final Day!
Nottingham Forest kept their Champions League dream alive and now rely on a final-day win over Chelsea to secure qualification. West Ham, with no major goals left, wraps up a below-par season.
News cover image by: thesun.co.uk
What did you think of the match? Does Forest deserve a Champions League spot? Comment below! ⬇️🔥
