Awoniyi’s Nottingham Forest wallop sorry Brighton

Nigerian international Taiwo Awoniyi’s Nottingham Forest impressive form continued as they thrashed Brighton 7-0 at the City Ground, with Chris Wood scoring a hat-trick.

The win marks Forest’s biggest top-flight victory in 34 years.

Brighton struggled to cope with Morgan Gibbs-White’s skill and creativity, as he forced Lewis Dunk to score an own goal in the early stages of the game.

The own goal was a result of Gibbs-White’s clever run into the box, which forced Dunk to stick out a leg and divert the ball into his own net.

Gibbs-White then scored one himself in the 25th minute, thanks to a clever corner routine.

Anthony Elanga whipped the ball into the box, and Gibbs-White powerfully glanced it into the roof of the net.

Elanga continued to taunt Brighton’s defense, and his cross into the box found Chris Wood, who nodded home Forest’s third goal.

Wood’s goal was a clinical finish, and it marked the beginning of a dominant performance from the New Zealand striker.

Brighton pushed for a response, but Forest’s defense held firm.

The visitors’ best chance of the half fell to Danny Welbeck, but his curling effort was tipped over the bar by Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels.

The second half was more of the same, with Forest continuing to dominate proceedings.

Elanga’s drilling cross into the box found Wood, who slotted home his second goal of the game.

Wood then completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot, after Tariq Lamptey was penalized for wrestling Gibbs-White to the ground.

Neco Williams and Jota Silva added further goals to seal a dominant win for Forest.

The victory keeps Forest’s European ambitions on track, while Brighton’s defeat leaves them reeling.

The win was Forest’s biggest in the top flight since April 1991, when they beat Chelsea 7-0. It was also a memorable day for Wood, who took his goal tally for the season to 17.

Forest’s manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, was delighted with his team’s performance. “We played some fantastic football today,” he said. “The players were brilliant, and we fully deserved the win.”

Nigeria’s Awoniyi was a late substitute in the encounter.

Brighton’s manager, Roberto De Zerbi, was left to rue his team’s poor performance. “We were not good enough today,” he said. “We made too many mistakes, and we were punished for them.”

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