Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo commended defender Ola Aina for his crucial goal-line clearance that ensured a 3-2 victory against Southampton at the City Ground.
The win propels Forest to 44 points, placing them level with Arsenal in second place in the Premier League standings.
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The match saw Forest dominate the first half, with goals from Elliot Anderson, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Chris Wood establishing a commanding 3-0 lead. Southampton mounted a spirited comeback in the second half, with Jan Bednarek and Paul Onuachu narrowing the deficit. In stoppage time, Aina’s timely intervention cleared Bednarek’s header off the line, preserving Forest’s lead.
Reflecting on the performance, Espirito Santo emphasized the importance of maintaining focus throughout the match. He stated, “We have been talking about how competitive this league is. You can never think the game is over. Credit to Southampton, the way they created so many problems.”
The victory marks Forest’s seventh win in eight league matches, reinforcing their aspirations for European competition next season.
Conversely, Southampton remains at the bottom of the table with six points, facing an uphill battle to avoid relegation.
