Nottingham Forest moved eight points clear of the relegation zone after running riot with four goals in the first half of a stunning 5-0 victory at Sunderland.
Trai Hume’s own goal in the 17th minute sparked Forest into a frenzy, which has left them well clear of Tottenham, who occupy the final spot in the bottom three and visit relegated Wolves on Saturday.
“This is the result of the season,” said Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp. “To go there in the predicament they’re in, an unbelievable result. I can only imagine what (Roberto) De Zerbi and Nuno (Espirito Santo) are thinking now watching it behind their sofas. These three points are absolutely huge.”
Forest were in dreamland at half-time as Chris Wood capitalised on Robin Roefs’ error to slot in a second before Morgan Gibbs-White fired in from a corner and then Igor Jesus completed the rout to give them an extraordinary four-goal lead inside 37 minutes.
Sunderland defender Nordi Mukiele argued with some of his own supporters as the half-time whistle blew, with their European hopes suffering a major blow with four games remaining. Only Burnley and Tottenham have conceded more goals than them since the turn of the year.
Dan Ballard attempted to restore some pride when he headed in midway during the second period, but the goal was harshly ruled out for a foul by Mukiele on Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels following a VAR check.
Forest had just one shot after half-time as they soaked up Sunderland’s attacks, capping a perfect night with Elliot Anderson’s cool finish in added time that has piled the pressure on their relegation rivals this weekend.
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Sunderland are still looking to get on the scoresheet after VAR ruled out Daniel Ballard’s goal after Nordi Mukiele collided with Nottingham Forest stopper Matz Sels.
Redknapp: Result will send shockwaves through West Ham and Spurs
Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp:
“I don’t think anyone expected that result tonight. I thought before the game that a point would be a good result.
“But to go there and completely turn the goal difference in your favour and get three points in the manner they did will certainly send shockwaves through the West Ham and Tottenham fanbases, players and managers.”
Pereira: We have mentality and character
Nottingham Forest head coach Vitor Pereira told Sky Sports:
“I need to thank the staff that cares about the set plays because today they were fantastic. They created a lot of problems.
“The pressing created a lot of problems. Our pressing created a lot of problems. And a clean sheet. A clean sheet is important in this moment of the season to show this mentality, this spirit, this confidence because we have the character.
“I’m very happy for my players, for the supporters, for the club and for the staff. We are in a good moment because we created the spirit, we created the mentality and tactically now, because we have more time working together, we are in a moment where we can face every game to get points.”
Watch all of five-star Forest’s goals
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Igor Jesus’ header goes in off Sunderland’s Trai Hume, with the own goal putting Nottingham Forest ahead.
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Chris Wood extends Nottingham Forest’s lead at Sunderland in the first half.
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Morgan Gibbs-White scores Nottingham Forest’s third goal in the first half at Sunderland.
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Sunderland are still looking to get on the scoresheet after VAR ruled out Daniel Ballard’s goal after Nordi Mukiele collided with Nottingham Forest stopper Matz Sels.
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Elliot Anderson makes it five for Nottingham Forest at Sunderland in added time.
