Nottingham Forest secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Manchester United on Tuesday, edging closer to a Champions League spot next season.
The win was sealed by former United winger Anthony Elanga, who delivered a brilliant solo effort just five minutes into the match at the City Ground. The strike earned all three points for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side and kept them in third place, extending their lead over sixth-placed Newcastle to 10 points.
Thanks to the impressive performances of English clubs in European competitions this season, it’s almost certain that the top five will qualify for the Champions League. Forest, two-time European champions, have not participated in Europe’s premier competition since they last held the title in 1980.
Elanga, who was let go by United in 2023 after an impressive start to his career at Old Trafford, showcased his potential at Forest. The Swedish international intercepted the ball deep in his own half, then accelerated past defenders before calmly firing past United goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Just a year after battling relegation, Forest are enjoying a fairytale season that includes reaching the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 34 years. Despite fatigue setting in during the second half, Forest held firm. United, meanwhile, continued to struggle with their attacking inefficiency. In the dying moments of the match, United boss Ruben Amorim brought on center-back Harry Maguire as a makeshift striker, and he almost equalized in stoppage time, but his shot was cleared off the line by Forest’s Murillo.
United’s inability to secure consecutive Premier League wins continues, and they find themselves languishing in 13th place.
Arsenal edge past Fulham despite Gabriel injury
Arsenal kept the pressure on leaders Liverpool with a 2-1 victory over Fulham, reducing the gap at the top to nine points. Bukayo Saka made an immediate impact upon his return from injury, scoring a header just eight minutes after coming on as a substitute. Saka’s goal came on his first appearance since December 21, ensuring his 10th of the season.
Arsenal had taken the lead in the first half when Mikel Merino’s deflected shot found the back of the net. However, victory came at a cost for Mikel Arteta’s side, as key defender Gabriel Magalhães limped off with a hamstring injury. This adds to Arteta’s injury concerns, with forwards Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus already sidelined for the season.
Despite these setbacks, Merino has been a solid replacement for the injured forwards, scoring his fifth goal in eight games as a makeshift striker. The Spain international’s deflected shot on 37 minutes gave Arsenal the lead. Saka’s introduction was met with a huge cheer, and the England international wasted no time, heading in from close range after Gabriel Martinelli flicked on Merino’s cross.
In the dying moments, Fulham pulled a goal back through Rodrigo Muniz in stoppage time, but the defeat dealt a blow to their hopes of securing European football next season.
Wolves close in on safety
At the bottom of the table, Wolves took a big step toward Premier League survival with a 1-0 win over West Ham. Jorgen Strand Larsen scored the only goal at Molineux, moving Wolves 12 points clear of the relegation zone as they continue their fight for top-flight status.
AFP
