Danny Welbeck scored his 10th league goal as Brighton beat Nottingham Forest 2-1, easing relegation fears after their recent slump and deepening Forest’s survival worries.
Brighton & Hove Albion made it back-to-back Premier League wins with a 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest at the Amex Stadium. The result continued Brighton’s rise away from danger and left Forest nervously glancing over their shoulders. Three goals inside the opening 15 minutes ensured a breathless start that shaped the rest of the afternoon.
Brighton began with energy and intent, pressing high and moving the ball quickly through midfield. Forest struggled to settle as the hosts forced early turnovers. The opening exchanges hinted that the game would be decided by sharp attacking moments rather than long spells of control.
The breakthrough arrived in the sixth minute. Pascal Groß picked out Diego Gómez on the right edge of the area. The winger struck a crisp half-volley across goal and through the legs of Murillo, catching Matz Sels off guard.
Forest were rattled but responded positively. They started to carry more threat down the left and committed bodies forward. That urgency was rewarded seven minutes later with a moment of real quality.
Morgan Gibbs-White hauled Forest level in the 13th minute with a superb strike. Igor Jesus showed composure to square the ball after a clever dummy. Gibbs-White took one touch before rifling a 25-yard effort into the top corner.
The equaliser briefly silenced the home crowd. Forest sensed momentum and tried to build on it. However, their joy was short-lived as Brighton immediately reasserted themselves.
Just 105 seconds later, Brighton were back in front. Kaoru Mitoma’s cross caused problems in the box and Jack Hinshelwood headed the ball into Danny Welbeck’s path. The striker turned sharply and finished from close range for his 10th league goal of the season.
That strike shifted control firmly back to Brighton. The hosts dominated possession and created further chances before the break. Sels denied Mitoma and then produced a fine save to stop Hinshelwood’s diving header.
Brighton continued on the front foot after the restart. Groß tested Sels again from a free-kick, while Welbeck dragged a half-chance wide. Forest found it difficult to progress the ball cleanly and relied on set-pieces for relief.
Despite that, the visitors had opportunities to snatch an equaliser. Gibbs-White headed straight at Bart Verbruggen from a promising position. Substitute Taiwo Awoniyi then missed Forest’s clearest chance, steering a powerful header wide late on.
The opening quarter decided the contest. Brighton registered 14 shots and posted an expected goals figure 1.32. Forest managed fewer clear openings and finished with an xG of 0.79
Welbeck’s goal maintained an impressive run. He has now scored 10 league goals in consecutive seasons, aged 33 or older. Forest’s problems remain clear, having scored just once from 66 shots across their last three matches.
The win lifts Brighton to 11th, just three points off the top eight and 10 clear of the relegation zone. Fabian Hürzeler’s side have now scored four goals across their last two matches. Confidence is visibly returning at the Amex.
Forest stay 17th, only two points above the bottom three with 10 games remaining. They travel to Manchester City next on Wednesday, a daunting test of resilience. Brighton host league leaders Arsenal on the same night.
