Nottingham Forest got back to winning ways as they edged past Ipswich Town at the City Ground on Saturday.
WATCH — Full replay
Chris Wood’s penalty kick was the difference, as the New Zealand international made it nine goals for the season and became Forest’s joint all-time leading Premier League goalscorer.
Ipswich huffed and puffed but Forest defended resolutely after taking the lead and never really looked in danger of conceding late on.
With the win Forest move on to 22 points for the season, while Ipswich remain on nine points.
Forest can stay in European hunt
They may not be the most creative or swashbuckling team to watch but Forest are well equipped to keep their unlikely push for European qualification going. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were supposed to be in a relegation scrap this season. But savvy recruitment this summer has made them sturdier and more durable. Milenkovic and Anderson have added solidity to midfield and defense and there is a clear identity and plan. Forest are comfortable playing direct, sitting in to defend when they have to and then launching counters, and they are also very dangerous from set pieces. In Chris Wood they have a man in form and his efficiency sums up Forest nicely. With 22 points already on the board they’re getting it done with minimum fuss and fanfare. The fact they aren’t overcomplicating things suggests there won’t be a huge dip in form and if they stay solid at the back they can push for a top seven finish. There’s something very “West Ham under David Moyes” about what Nuno has created at Forest.
Nottingham Forest vs Ipswich player ratings (via FotMob.com)
What’s next?
Forest head to Manchester City on Wednesday, December 4. Ipswich host Crystal Palace on Tuesday in a huge game at the bottom of the table.
Nottingham Forest vs Ipswich final score: 1-0
Wood 50'
Nottingham Forest vs Ipswich live updates! - By Joe Prince-Wright
Full time: Nottingham Forest 1-0 Ipswich
In the end it was a pretty comfortable win for Forest, but Ipswich never gave up and hung in there. Wood’s penalty kick was the difference and Forest just had extra quality in midfield and attack and were so well-organized defensively.
Clarke denied by Sels
Ipswich are plugging away and Delap is heavily involved as the ball is played back to substitute Jack Clarke but his shot is straight at Sels.
Muric denies Murillo as Forest hit the bar
It is al Forest now and Murillo’s header is superbly saved by Muric who touches the ball onto the bar and then claws it away. From the next corner Forest almost score against but somehow Ipswich scramble clear.
Penalty and goal for Forest! - Nottingham Forest 1-0 Ipswich
Jota Silva is taken down in the box by a dangling leg from Sammie Szmodics. There was clear contact and it was a clever little move from Jota. Chris Wood steps up and smashes home. Wood has now joined Brian Roy as Nottingham Forest’s most prolific Premier League goalscorer.
Half time: Nottingham Forest 0-0 Ipswich
That was a pretty even first 45 minutes. Forest started well and looked good from set pieces and when they got the ball wide. But Ipswich have looked dangerous on the counter and from free kicks and corners too. It feels like one goal will win this game.
Hutchinson denied by Sels
Ipswich win the ball back with Delap at the heart of it and Hutchinson’s low shot is saved by Sels. The rebound falls to Delap but he should have left it for Chaplin to finish.
Aina clears off the line
A corner is whipped in and Burgess heads towards goal but Aina brilliantly clears off the line. Ipswich have looked dangerous on the counter and from set pieces. They’ve really grown into this.
Hudson-Odoi, Yates denied
How have Forest not scored? Hudson-Odoi has a shot blocked after being found at the back post, then the ball drops to Yates and his scuffed effort is blocked by Szmodics. Forest are well on top.
Delap’s shot deflects wide
Liam Delap surges towards goal and his shot is deflected wide. Brilliant play from Delap. What a talent he is.
Gibbs-White almost heads home inside the first minute
A brilliant corner is whipped in by Anderson and Gibbs-White is there at the near post. His header flashes just wide of the post. Some in the City Ground thought it was in. Almost an opener for Forest inside the first minute.
Nottingham Forest lineup
Sels; Williams, Milenkovic, Murillo, Aina; Yates, Anderson; Silva, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood
Ipswich lineup
Muric; Tuanzebe, O’Shea, Burgess, Davis; Morsy, Cajuste; Hutchinson, Chaplin, Szmodics; Delap
Nottingham Forest team news, focus
Having Elanga and Gibbs-White available would be a huge boost as they are key to launching counters and giving Forest a cutting edge and creativity in attack. The rest of Forest’s side is solid with summer addition Milenkovic a rock at center back.
OUT: Danilo (ankle), Ibrahim Sangare (undisclosed) | QUESTIONABLE: Elliot Anderson (foot), Morgan Gibbs-White (foot), Anthony Elanga (undisclosed)
Ipswich team news, focus
McKenna has turned Ipswich into a stodgy, solid team and they’re dangerous on the counter. That’s due to the running of Liam Delap and Sammie Szomodics and both can finish when they get a half chance. Omari Hutchinson is the jewel in Ipswich’s crown and scored the equalizer against Man United last time out.
OUT: Janoi Donacien (groin), Chiedozie Ogbene (achilles — out for season), George Hirst (knee) | QUESTIONABLE: Kalvin Phillips (other), Ben Johnson (knock).
Nottingham Forest vs Ipswich prediction
Both teams will have a real go in this one and are set up well to launch counters. Expect entertainment and plenty of goals but Forest’s extra quality in attack will make the difference. Nottingham Forest 3-2 Ipswich.
How to watch Nottingham Forest vs Ipswich live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 10am ET Saturday (November 30)
Venue: City Ground — Nottingham
TV Channel: USA Network
Streaming: Watch live online via NBC.com
Nottingham Forest vs Ipswich preview
Nuno Espirito Santo’s Tricky Trees have lost two in a row after a fine start to the season, with their latest defeat coming in a 3-0 humbling at Arsenal. Those defeats have calmed down expectation levels a little but all in all, Forest are still way ahead of where everyone thought they would be with 19 points on the board from their first 12 games.
Ipswich have only won once in their opening 12 games back in the Premier League (after a 22-year absence) but all signs are pointing in the right direction for Kieran McKenna’s side. They drew at home against Manchester United last weekend and after winning at Tottenham before the break, the Tractor Boys have picked up nine points (thanks to a league-high six draws) and are only in the relegation zone on goal difference.
