The Reds took a huge leap towards Premier League safety after claiming three vital points.
Nottingham Forest took a giant leap towards Premier League safety, following a huge 3-1 victory away at already relegated Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
The Reds fell behind early on after Gonzalo Montiel produced a needless challenge in the penalty area, with former Forest striker Ben Brereton Diaz stepping up to fire home the spot kick.
However, Nuno Espírito Santo’s side produced a brilliant comeback, after a double from Callum Hudson-Odoi and a first Premier League goal from Ryan Yates secured a vital three points for the Reds.
The victory moves Nuno’s side three points clear of the relegation zone, with just two games remaining this season, whilst having a considerably better goal difference and still having to face Burnley, who currently occupy a place in the drop zone.
A trademark @Calteck10 finish 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/4J3HiRQsvv
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) May 4, 2024
However, two players produced a disappointing display in Yorkshire, with Nuno needing to look at alternative options ahead of the last two fixtures of the 2023/24 season.
Chris Wood’s stats against Sheffield United
Despite being the club’s top goalscorer in the Premier League this season, striker Chris Wood has endured a tough couple of weeks, including a performance against Manchester City that saw him miss multiple clear-cut opportunities.
He suffered a similar fate in the clash against the Blades yesterday, missing two big chances, that could have further added to the Reds’ win at Bramall Lane.
Wood also only managed to win six of his 16 duels during the victory, a success rate of just 38% – with the striker failing to make his mark on the win.
He was subsequently replaced just before stoppage time, with fellow striker Taiwo Awoniyi returning from injury after missing the last eight games following a recurrence of his ongoing groin issue.
However, should the Nigerian be fit enough to start, Nuno should look to deploy the former Union Berlin up front for the clash against Chelsea in the hope of the 26-year-old being able to repeat his end-of-season form in 2022/23 that saw him score six goals in the last four matches – including the crucial strike against Arsenal that secured survival.
Despite Wood’s poor performance, one Forest player produced a dismal display, potentially playing his last game in the Garibaldi Red, with his deal expiring over the summer.
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