Nottingham Forest secured a dominant 3-0 victory over Wolves at Molineux on Monday night, marking their sixth consecutive win in the Premier League.
The Reds are now sitting comfortably with 40 points from 20 matches, showcasing their remarkable consistency under Nuno Espirito Santo.
Goalkeeper Matz Sels played a pivotal role in the win, producing a series of stunning saves to keep Wolves at bay.
His heroics set the stage for Forest’s attacking exploits, starting with Morgan Gibbs-White, who opened the scoring after just seven minutes with a jubilant celebration against his former club.
Chris Wood doubled the advantage just before halftime, while Taiwo Awoniyi rounded off the win with a stoppage-time goal in the 94th minute.
This performance added to Forest’s growing reputation as a team in red-hot form.
Alan Shearer acknowledged their success by naming three Forest players, along with head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, in his Premier League Team of the Week.
The praise keeps pouring in for a side that simply can’t stop winning.
Chris Wood Praises Taiwo Awoniyi’s Dedication
One of the standout moments of the match was Awoniyi’s late goal, which came from excellent build-up play by Callum Hudson-Odoi and James Ward-Prowse.
It was a particularly satisfying moment for Awoniyi, who has struggled with injuries and limited opportunities this season due to Wood’s strong form.
After the match, Chris Wood commended Awoniyi for his persistence and contributions to the team, telling BBC Sport:
*”He’s a vital part of our squad.
A fantastic player who works incredibly hard on and off the pitch. He absolutely deserved that goal for everything he puts into the team.”*
Awoniyi’s teammates mobbed him in celebration, a clear sign of his importance within the squad both on and off the field.
Awoniyi’s Role in Forest’s Future
Despite rumors that Forest might consider offloading Awoniyi during the January transfer window, his contributions suggest he still has a critical role to play.
With the club lacking depth in the striker position, it seems unlikely they would part ways with the Nigerian forward.
Awoniyi will be hoping for more minutes on Saturday when Forest face Luton Town in the FA Cup.
Taiwo Awoniyi’s Nottingham Forest Journey
-Total Appearances:** 69
– **Goals Scored:** 18
– **Transfer Fee:** £18 million (from Union Berlin)
– **Previous Clubs:** Liverpool, Union Berlin, Mouscron, NEC Nijmegen, Gent, Frankfurt, Mainz
Awoniyi’s potential has never been in question. Strikers often thrive on confidence, and his goal against Wolves could be the boost he needs to reignite his form.
Signed for £18 million, Awoniyi has shown glimpses of his quality, and his teammates’ support after his goal highlights his value in the dressing room.
As Forest continue their impressive campaign, players like Awoniyi could prove instrumental in maintaining their momentum in the league and beyond.