Nottingham Forest’s thrilling 3-2 win over Southampton on Sunday not only pushed them level on points with second-placed Arsenal in the Premier League but also generated plenty of talking points both on and off the pitch. While the victory highlighted Forest’s strength, particularly in the first half, it was marred by controversial officiating decisions and some humorous antics from fans in the stands.
Forest Dominate First Half
The Reds came flying out of the blocks at the City Ground, taking full control with a commanding 3-0 lead by halftime. Goals from Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Elanga, and Nicolas Domínguez showcased Forest’s clinical edge and attacking prowess. Southampton struggled to contain their opponents, who seemed to have wrapped up the game within the first 45 minutes.
VAR Controversy: Milenkovic’s Disallowed Goal
In the second half, Forest thought they had extended their lead to 4-1 when Nikola Milenkovic found the back of the net. Referee Anthony Taylor initially allowed the goal, but VAR officials flagged an issue, prompting Taylor to check the monitor. Replays suggested that Chris Wood, in an offside position, had interfered with play, leading to the goal being ruled out.
While the decision may have been correct under the rules, it didn’t sit well with the home crowd, who made their feelings known in a comical way. As Taylor reviewed the footage on the pitch-side monitor, Forest fans at that end of the ground waved their credit cards and wallets, pretending to “bribe” the referee to let the goal stand. The gesture added some lighthearted humor to the tense moment, even though Taylor eventually disallowed the goal.
Referee Decisions Under Fire
The disallowed goal wasn’t the only contentious call by Taylor. Earlier, he awarded a free kick to Southampton, accusing Morgan Gibbs-White of tripping Mateus Fernandes. However, replays clearly showed that Fernandes had stumbled over his own feet. The baffling decision drew widespread criticism, both from fans in the stadium and on social media.
One fan commented:
“Anthony Taylor gave this as a foul against Morgan Gibbs-White. I could see from the back row of the Upper Trent he tripped over his own feet! Taylor is a disgrace.”
Another fan took aim at Taylor’s reputation:
“The fact Anthony Taylor is considered the 2nd best ref in England according to the PGMOL sums up the standard.”
A third fan vented frustration, even suggesting Forest’s owner take action:
“Also, I beg Marinakis just bans Anthony Taylor from the ground. Didn’t even try and hide the fact he was on the take today. One of the worst officials in world sport.”
Southampton’s Fightback and Forest’s Resilience
Despite the VAR drama and officiating controversies, Forest ultimately secured the win, though not without a late scare. Southampton mounted a spirited comeback in the second half, scoring twice to narrow the deficit to 3-2. Forest, however, held firm in the closing stages to secure all three points.
Fans Reflect on the Result
While the 3-2 scoreline may suggest a closely fought contest, Forest’s first-half dominance left little doubt about the better team on the day. However, fans couldn’t help but imagine how much more convincing a 4-1 victory would have been, had Milenkovic’s goal stood.
Implications for Forest
The win puts Nottingham Forest level on points with Arsenal, reflecting their strong start to the season. Manager Steve Cooper will no doubt be pleased with the team’s performance, but the controversy surrounding Taylor’s decisions may leave a sour taste. For now, Forest fans can take pride in their team’s rise up the Premier League table while enjoying the lighter moments, like their amusing attempt to sway the referee.
As Forest continue their impressive campaign, all eyes will be on their ability to maintain this form and challenge the league’s top sides. For Southampton, meanwhile, the result highlights the ongoing challenges they face as they look to climb out of the bottom half of the table.