AliousNottingham Forest delivered a commanding performance at Molineux, defeating Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-0 and extending their winning streak to six games.
Manager Nuno Espírito Santo returned to face his former club and implemented a counter-attacking masterclass that left Wolves boss Vítor Pereira unable to respond.
Despite Wolves’ recent resurgence under Pereira, they had no answer to Forest’s confidence and clinical finishing.
Morgan Gibbs-White set the tone early, netting a superbly taken goal in the seventh minute.
Callum Hudson-Odoi then provided a brilliant assist for Chris Wood, who slotted home his 13th goal of the season just before halftime.
Late in the match, Taiwo Awoniyi capped off the victory with his first goal of the campaign, rounding off another dominant display for Forest.
Controversial VAR Decision Sparks Debate
The match wasn’t without controversy, as a major VAR decision drew criticism.
With Forest leading 1-0, Ola Aina’s cross appeared to strike Rayan Aït-Nouri’s arm in the Wolves box. However, VAR opted not to recommend an on-field review to referee Peter Bankes.
Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling voiced his outrage on social media, declaring it “one of the worst decisions” of the season.
While the Premier League later defended the decision, claiming Aït-Nouri’s arm was in a natural position, replays suggested otherwise.
The incident left many questioning the consistency of the handball rule, with calls for a reevaluation of the law to prevent further contentious decisions.
Forest Rise Above Controversy
Fortunately for Forest, the missed penalty call didn’t impact the result. Their commanding display ensured they maintained their position as one of the league’s in-form sides.
Still, the incident highlighted lingering frustrations with VAR and officiating standards, reigniting debates about bias and inconsistencies, especially in decisions involving teams outside the league’s traditional top six.
As Forest continue their stellar campaign, the controversial decision serves as a reminder of the need for clearer and fairer interpretations of the handball law for the benefit of the game.
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