Wolverhampton Wanderers (A) 03/12/25

Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-1 Nottingham Forest 

                                                                            Jesus 72'

Despite losing to Brighton in the previous game, Forest headed to the other side of the Midlands to get themselves back on track. Wolves sit rock-bottom of the table and they are the only side yet to win a game this season, despite changing manager. Dyche has come into the dugout and won two out of his five Premier League games in charge to lift Forest out of the drop zone. This was a game the Reds should be winning but in the back of all Forest fans minds they knew that the hosts finding their first win of the campaign on the evening would be such a Forest thing to do.

Rob Edwards named an unchanged XI from his sides 1-0 loss at Villa Park. Although his team lost, it was an improved performance. Sean Dyche made one change to his side that was defeated by Brighton at the City Ground. His reward for being so impactful in his substitute appearances was a start for Omari Hutchinson. He replaced Nicolas Dominguez.

As expected, Forest dominated the opening of the game. Wolves were defending resiliently and managing to keep their visitors at arm’s length. The half was one of very little chances but Forest did think they had found the lead just a few minutes before the break. Hutchinson whipped in a corner from the right which was headed in by an unmarked Igor Jesus. He thought he had his first Premier League goal but after a five minute VAR check, Dan Ndoye was blocking Johnstone’s line of vision whilst stood offside.

We were all hoping the second half would be a better watch as no side registered a shot on target in the first 45.

After half time, Wolves came out the better side, fighting for a goal. Andre dispossessed Anderson whilst Forest were on the attack. This allowed the hosts to quickly get up the other end. The pattern of play ended up with Andre playing a lovely ball to Tchatchoua on the right. He took a touch before firing in a delightful ball but the header of Arias bounced just wide of the left post.

This opportunity warned Forest that Wolves weren’t completely out of the game but the Reds quickly switched back on and regained control. Neco Williams was fouled 30 yards from goal and it was the full-back who stood over the free-kick. He looked to curl it into the bottom right corner but Johnstone got down well to put it behind for a corner.

All those in the away end were beginning to worry that Forest were not going to come away from Molineux with what they deserved. However, just after the 70 minute mark, they found themselves ahead. Hutchinson and Yates linked up on the right before Hutchinson whipped in an inviting ball. Johnstone rushed off his line hoping to punch clear but Jesus got there first to head into the net. He finally had his first Premier League goal after being denied twice. The Reds saw out the rest of the game without any real trouble to take home the three points.

Wednesday was one of the worst performances Forest have produced in a while. It was like we dropped down to Wolves’ level. Both sides struggled to create any chances but when we needed to be we were clinical and despite playing poorly we got the job done. I thought Jesus played well despite getting limited service and I’m happy for him that he finally has his first Premier League goal. Hutchinson was also bright once again and I’m glad he got a start because he deserves one. As well as leading attacks, he also worked hard defensively. The disallowed goal was the right decision but it shouldn’t have taken five minutes so something needs to change about that.

Wolves: Johnstone; Mosquera (Hoever 81’), Agbadou, Toti Gomes; Tchatchoua (Mane 81’), Andre, Joao Gomes (Munetsi 85’), Wolfe; Arias (Arokodare 81’), Strand Larsen, Bellegarde (Hee-Chan 67’)

Forest: Sels; Savona, Milenkovic, Morato, Williams; Sangare (Yates 67’), Anderson; Ndoye (Hudson-Odoi 67’), Gibbs-White (Dominguez 90’), Hutchinson; Igor Jesus