Nottingham Forest secured a vital 5-0 victory over Sunderland in the Premier League at the Stadium of Light. The win came through a dominant first-half display with four goals, boosting Forest's survival hopes. Sunderland's chances faded after a disallowed goal in the second half.
Nottingham Forest stunned Sunderland with a ruthless 5-0 win on Friday night, a result that strengthens their position five points clear of the relegation zone. Facing pressure ahead of Tottenham's match against relegated Wolves, Vitor Pereira's side exploded into action at the Stadium of Light, kick-off 8pm BST. Sunderland started brightly, with Chris Rigg's early effort saved by Matz Sels, but Forest took control soon after. In the 17th minute, Igor Jesus headed back a corner, deflecting off Trai Hume for an own goal. Around the half-hour mark, Robin Roefs' error under pressure gifted possession to Morgan Gibbs-White, who set up Chris Wood to finish calmly. Gibbs-White then swept home from another Jesus-assisted set-piece, before Jesus powered a volley in the 37th minute to make it 4-0. Forest eased off in the second half, maintaining discipline without shots for much of it. Sunderland thought they had a goal when Dan Ballard headed in, but VAR ruled it out for a foul on Sels. Enzo Le Fee's long-range strike was brilliantly saved by Sels. In stoppage time, Taiwo Awoniyi squared for Elliot Anderson to tap in the fifth. The performance extends Forest's unbeaten run and provides momentum in their survival fight, while Sunderland remain on 49 points, level with seventh-placed Bournemouth.
