AliousForest’s Ruthless Attack Destroys Ipswich in Six-Goal Thriller – Three Key Talking Points from a Historic Win**
Nottingham Forest ended their long wait for an away victory in emphatic style, putting four past Ipswich Town to claim their first Premier League win on the road since January. The result strengthens their grip on a top-four finish and highlights their remarkable progress since promotion.
Just two years ago, Forest found themselves in a position eerily similar to Ipswich’s current struggles—newly promoted, heavily invested, yet battling to stay afloat. However, unlike the Tractor Boys, Forest managed to survive and have since developed into a force no one saw coming. On Saturday, they turned the tables, punishing Ipswich in the same ruthless manner they once suffered at the hands of Premier League giants. Goals from Nikola Milenkovic, Anthony Elanga, and Jota Silva sealed a crucial win.
Here are the three biggest takeaways from the match:
1. A Vital Away Win to Strengthen Champions League Hopes**
*”We’re the Forest, the mighty Forest, we always win away!”*
It’s a chant that has followed Forest fans throughout the season, despite their recent struggles on the road. Before this game, the Reds hadn’t secured an away league win since beating Wolves in January. A string of difficult fixtures had seen them suffer three consecutive away defeats, conceding 11 goals in the process.
Facing Ipswich provided the perfect opportunity to turn things around—and Forest seized it. Their victory, coupled with Manchester City’s draw against Brighton and Bournemouth’s loss to Brentford, allowed them to rebuild a crucial cushion in third place.
With nine matches remaining, Forest now sit six points clear of fifth-placed Manchester City. The timing couldn’t be better, as they embark on a run of fixtures largely against teams they’ve already beaten this season, aside from Chelsea on the final day. Their recent form hadn’t been terrible given the strength of their opponents, but this win was essential to maintaining momentum following last week’s stunning triumph over City.
2. Tactical Flexibility and Attacking Brilliance**
Forest’s defensive strength has been the foundation of their success, but this match was a reminder that they are just as dangerous going forward. While goalkeeper Matz Sels may be frustrated about conceding two sloppy second-half goals, the team’s attacking display was nothing short of electrifying.
Nuno Espírito Santo is renowned for his tactical adaptability, and once again, he showcased his ability to tweak his team’s approach effectively. For the third consecutive match, he named an unchanged starting XI, with Nicolás Domínguez playing a wider role, Morgan Gibbs-White dropping deeper, and Elanga operating more centrally.
However, Forest’s attacking players were given freedom to roam, creating havoc for Ipswich’s defense. Their three first-half goals were a testament to this fluid approach.
– Milenkovic’s opener** came after relentless pressing led to a corner, which Forest kept alive before the Serbian defender smashed the ball home.
– Elanga’s first goal** saw him drift out wide before cutting inside and finishing with composure, mirroring a stunning strike he produced against Brentford earlier in the season.
– His second, and Forest’s third,** showcased his power and pace as he broke through the middle, shrugged off defenders, and coolly slotted past Alex Palmer.
The away end erupted as Forest ran riot, and even after Ipswich clawed back two goals in the second half, Nuno’s men never looked in danger of letting their lead slip. Their dominance was sealed when substitute Jota Silva came off the bench to add a fourth, capping off a memorable night.
3. Morgan Gibbs-White’s Statement Performance**
At full-time, Morgan Gibbs-White responded to the Forest fans’ chants of *“England’s number 10”* with a simple shrug—a subtle nod to his shock omission from Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad.
Many across the Premier League were baffled by Tuchel’s decision to overlook Gibbs-White, especially given his pivotal role in Forest’s exceptional season. Once again, he was at the heart of everything positive for his side, dictating play and leading by example with the captain’s armband.
His assist for Jota Silva’s goal marked his 12th Premier League goal involvement of the season, further underlining his credentials as a player ready for the international stage. With his sharp passing, tireless work ethic, and ability to step up in big moments, Gibbs-White has proven time and again that he belongs among England’s elite.
Tuchel may have left him out this time, but as Forest push for an unlikely Champions League qualification, there’s no doubt Gibbs-White will continue to be their driving force.
Alious
