Nottingham Forest boost survival chances as Sheffield United concede 100th goal
Callum Hudson-Odoi scored twice, propelling Nottingham Forest closer to Premier League safety with a win over the already-relegated Sheffield United.
At Bramall Lane, Ben Brereton Diaz’s penalty initially put the home side ahead, but Hudson-Odoi’s stunning curling shot equalized for Forest midway through the first half.
Although the Blades created several opportunities in the first half, they failed to capitalize and were soon punished. Ryan Yates gave the visitors the lead with a powerful strike six minutes into the second half.
Hudson-Odoi then clinched a crucial three points for Nuno Espirito Santo’s team by cutting inside and curving the ball past Blades goalkeeper Wes Foderingham into the far corner.
This goal marked Sheffield United’s 100th Premier League goal conceded this season, tying the record set by Swindon Town in the 1993-94 season.
The hosts’ disappointing day worsened when Anel Ahmedhodzic received his second yellow card and was sent off just before the final whistle.
With only two matches left, Forest now sits three points above 18th-placed Luton Town and boasts a significantly better goal difference than Rob Edwards’ side.
Forest ride their luck but earn crucial win
Given Forest’s precarious situation before this match, securing a win was paramount, and they won’t be too concerned that they were outplayed in the first half.
The game could have swung Forest’s way in the opening minutes when Chris Wood found himself unmarked but his volley from Morgan Gibbs-White’s cross went wide.
Sheffield United quickly gained the upper hand, and after being fouled in the box by Gonzalo Montiel, Brereton Diaz converted the resulting penalty by firing straight down the middle.
Hudson-Odoi skillfully directed a bouncing ball into the net from the edge of the box ten minutes later, but it was remarkable that Forest managed to go into halftime level given the continuous pressure from the Blades.
Both Brereton Diaz and Cameron Archer missed clear chances, and Forest’s goalkeeper Matz Sels was frequently called into action.
Wood’s header hit the bar late in the first half, reminding everyone of Forest’s potential threat. Shortly after the break, amidst United’s appeals for a foul, Anthony Elanga redirected a free-kick across goal, Willy Boly headed it down, and Yates fired it home.
While the home side still posed threats, Yates’ goal seemed to stabilize Forest, and Hudson-Odoi’s subsequent striking of the post served as a rehearsal for a similar successful shot moments later.
Forest could have widened their margin in the final 25 minutes, but three goals were sufficient. They were fortunate, and while their survival isn’t secured yet, their destiny remains in their hands.
Four points from the final two matches would guarantee safety, but results elsewhere could see them secure their Premier League status next weekend when they face Chelsea.
Unwanted Ton Up for Blades:
Despite a promising first half, Sheffield United ended the day tying an unwanted record for goals conceded in a season, reminiscent of their troubled campaign.
With two games remaining, it seems likely they will surpass Swindon’s record for goals conceded.
Even if they manage two clean sheets in their final games, their 100 goals conceded this season occurred in four fewer games than Swindon’s, who set their record over a 42-game season.
Their defense, which has allowed at least two goals in 10 consecutive league matches, has been a significant issue, but it was their inefficiency in front of goal that proved even more detrimental against Forest.
In the 15 minutes following Forest’s equalizer and before Wood’s attempt hit the bar, Wilder’s team had three substantial opportunities to regain the lead, but poor finishing and decision-making squandered these chances.
They might have put the game out of reach but instead are left to reflect on their 26th league defeat of the season.