Onuachu Nets First EPL Goal as Southampton Faces Intensified Relegation Battle

Paul Onuachu first Premier League goal of the season ignited a late Southampton fightback, but Nottingham Forest held firm to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory.

The win lifted Forest level on points with Arsenal in the Premier League and extended their unbeaten streak to seven games, keeping them just six points behind Liverpool in the race for the top spots.

Forest started the match in dominant fashion, capitalising on Arsenal’s slip-up earlier in the day, where the Gunners let a two-goal lead slip against Aston Villa.

In the 11th minute, Morgan Gibbs-White played a perfect pass to Elliot Anderson, who slotted the ball past the goalkeeper at the near post to give Forest the lead.

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Forest continued their impressive play, adding two more goals before the break. Chris Wood made it 2-0, and Callum Hudson-Odoi extended the lead with a calm, well-placed finish.

Southampton fought back in the second half. Jan Bednarek pulled one back early, and Onuachu, who had been struggling for form, scored his first goal of the season—a powerful header—to make it 3-2, bringing hope to the Saints.

However, despite a strong effort, Southampton couldn’t find the equaliser, and Forest held on for the win.

Onuachu’s goal provided a rare moment of joy for the striker, whose header sparked a brief surge of optimism for Southampton

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Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi were both involved for Forest, with Aina playing the full 90 minutes and Awoniyi coming on as a second-half substitute.

With the victory, Forest remain in strong form as they push for a top-half finish, while Southampton will need to regroup quickly as they face a tough battle against relegation.