Andrew Omobamidele’s own goal handed Brighton a win and dealt a blow to Nottingham Forest’s hopes of staying in the Premier League.
The Forest defender inadvertently redirected Pascal Gross’ bending free-kick into his own net in the 29th minute.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s team pressed for an equalizer after halftime, but their lack of precision in the attacking third prevented them from salvaging a crucial point.
The loss leaves them just three points ahead of 18th-placed Luton in the relegation zone, although Luton has a game in hand.
Coming off a 4-0 defeat by Roma in the Europa League on Thursday, Brighton dominated possession and created chances in the first half.
Jakub Moder’s deft header forced Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels into action, while Evan Ferguson came close to scoring his first goal since November’s encounter with the same opponents but couldn’t convert at the near post.
The Seagulls continued to press and eventually capitalized when Irishman Omobamidele, who narrowly avoided a second yellow card for fouling Ansu Fati on the edge of the box, inadvertently directed the ensuing free-kick into his own goal.
Forest had an opportunity to equalize immediately, but Divock Origi failed to beat Bart Verbruggen when one-on-one with the Brighton goalkeeper.
The visitors improved in the second half, and Verbruggen’s fingertip save denied Chris Wood in their sole scoring opportunity.
Forest may also feel aggrieved that Brighton wasn’t reduced to 10 men in the 67th minute after Jakub Moder’s challenge on Neco Williams, but after a two-minute review, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) deemed a yellow card sufficient.
Brighton respond well after Roma rout
Brighton’s anticipated journey to Rome may not have unfolded as expected, but this hard-earned victory is poised to bolster morale within Roberto de Zerbi’s squad.
The team delivered a composed performance in the first half, and although their opportunities diminished after halftime, they effectively managed the game in its closing moments to secure all three points.
While they prepare for the return leg of their Europa League fixture on Thursday, Brighton faces an uphill battle following Roma’s dominant performance, diminishing their prospects of advancing to the quarter-finals.
With only 10 Premier League matches remaining, securing a place in European competitions remains a top priority.
Brighton’s ascent to eighth place, albeit 11 points behind fifth-placed Tottenham, underscores the significance of each remaining fixture.
Forest lack clinical edge in front of goal
Last weekend, Forest were seething, angered by referee Paul Tierney’s decision to controversially return possession to Liverpool via a drop-ball just before Darwin Nunez clinched a dramatic 99th-minute winner.
While Moder’s tackle on Williams was indeed harsh, it’s challenging to perceive Michael Salisbury’s choice to issue a yellow card as a blatant and evident mistake.
The club is still awaiting the verdict of their ongoing Premier League hearing for breaching financial regulations, with news of a potential points deduction anticipated in the coming weeks.
With only 10 matches remaining, Forest also need to sharpen their finishing in front of goal to steer clear of relegation concerns.
They will receive a boost from Wood’s comeback from injury, although the New Zealand striker had limited opportunities in his first start since sustaining a hamstring injury in late January.
Luton will play their postponed match at Bournemouth on Wednesday, presenting them with the chance to draw level on points with Forest before the two teams face off in a pivotal showdown at Kenilworth Road on Saturday.