Elliott Anderson admitted Nottingham Forest had made things difficult for themselves following their 3-2 win over Southampton this afternoon.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side moved level on points with second-placed Arsenal despite narrowly losing a 3-0 lead to the Premier League’s bottom side at the City Ground.
Goals inside the first 41 minutes from Anderson, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Chris Wood looked to have put the game beyond Saints but they hit back in the second half through Jan Bednarek and Paul Onuachu. The visitors then almost grabbed an unlikely equalizer with Ola Aina having to clear off the line to deny Bednarek his second.
Three points at home. pic.twitter.com/BDXkDKNbMF
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) January 19, 2025
Anderson told BBC Match of the Day: “We started really strong but made it difficult for ourselves in the second half. In the end we got the three points and I’m very happy.”
It was a job well done for Forest who built on success in their midweek draw with leaders Liverpool.
“We started attacking both games with the same mindset,” Anderson said. “Southampton were very good in midweek against Manchester United, so we knew it would be difficult for us.
“The manager said it’s always difficult when you have something to lose. We needed these three points because there are teams that are dragging behind us.”
On his goal, he added: “I’ve been working hard for it and the guys were telling me to shoot. When I had space, I thought I’d hit it.”
Juric was annoyed with the display of the first half
The Saints remain rooted to the foot despite another strong display just three days after they dominated Manchester United at Old Trafford before going down 3-1.
Boss Ivan Juric said: “In the first half, we’re not competitive and that’s what happened. We played with heart and intensity (in the second) and we scored. That’s how we have to score.
“I didn’t talk to them (at halftime). We’re a competitive team, but if we’re down 10%, then we’re not competitive. I hope a first half like today never happens again. They score the first two goals, that’s ridiculous.
“In the second half we fight and score twice. Aina saved another one. At Manchester United for 80 minutes, in the second half today, we were good. We’re not ready for 90 minutes and that’s a real shame.”
2025-01-19 20:00:00
