Morgan Gibbs-White scores a late penalty as Nottingham Forest beat West Ham 2-1, deepening Hammers woes and opening a seven-point gap.
Nottingham Forest claimed a crucial 2-1 Premier League victory at West Ham United thanks to a late Morgan Gibbs-White penalty at London Stadium. The visitors came from behind to secure their first win in five matches. The result deepens West Ham’s relegation fears and lifts Forest seven points clear of the bottom three. It was a damaging night for the hosts, who remain winless in ten league games.
West Ham made a positive start and took the lead after 13 minutes. Crysencio Summerville’s corner was flicked on by Tomas Soucek and headed into his own net by Murillo. The goal lifted the home crowd and settled early nerves. Forest responded with purpose and saw Neco Williams force a fine save from Alphonse Areola.
The visitors went close again when Callum Hudson-Odoi struck the crossbar with a curling effort. West Ham thought they had doubled their lead before the break. Summerville finished smartly, but VAR ruled the goal out for an offside against debutant Valentin Castellanos earlier in the move. That decision proved pivotal.
Forest carried their momentum into the second half and were rewarded quickly. Elliot Anderson’s in swinging corner caused problems and Nicolas Dominguez looped a header beyond Areola in the 55th minute. The equaliser swung the contest and quietened the home support. West Ham struggled to regain control after conceding.
Jarrod Bowen fired narrowly over as the hosts searched for a response. Castellanos worked hard on his Premier League debut but lacked sharpness in front of goal. Forest remained compact and disciplined, waiting for an opening. The game drifted toward a draw before late drama unfolded.
The decisive moment arrived in the 89th minute following a VAR review. Areola failed to punch clear a cross and caught Gibbs-White in the face. Referee Tony Harrington awarded a penalty after consultation. Gibbs-White showed composure to convert calmly and complete the turnaround.
Dominguez impressed in midfield with his energy and timely goal. Anderson delivered a tireless display and led Forest for touches and duels won. For West Ham, Summerville was a constant threat down the left. However, another lapse proved costly at a critical stage.
Forest registered 13 shots to West Ham’s 14 across the contest. Expected goals favoured the visitors at 1.35, boosted by the penalty, compared to 0.97 for the hosts. It was only the second time Forest have won a Premier League game after trailing at half time. West Ham have now dropped 15 points from winning positions this season.
The defeat leaves West Ham 18th in the table. They sit seven points behind Forest, who move up to 17th. Pressure continues to mount on Nuno Espirito Santo after just 11 points from his 16 league games in charge. Forest gain breathing space but remain far from safe.
West Ham host Championship side Queens Park Rangers in the FA Cup on Sunday. They then return to league action away at Tottenham on January 17. Nottingham Forest travel to Wrexham in the FA Cup on Friday. Sean Dyche’s side then face leaders Arsenal at home next Saturday.
