Awoniyi lifts Nottingham Forest out of relegation zone with double goals
The quick fire goals from Awoniyi set Nottingham Forest on the path to victory on Monday
Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi had a memorable outing on Monday as he scored a brace in Nottingham Forest's 4-3 win against Southampton at the City Ground.
The crucial three points from Monday's victory helped Forest to leap out of the relegation zone and into 16th place with 33 points.
As for Southampton, the remain rooted bottom of the log with 24 points from 35 league matches.
The two goals scored by Awoniyi on Monday took the Nigerian's tally to six in the 2022/2023 campaign and seven in all competitions.
For his opening goal, Awoniyi received a great cut back on the line from Brennan Johnson and he finished superbly in the 18th minute
Just three minutes after netting the opener, the former Nigeria youth international then doubled Forest's lead when he pounced on a loose ball to rifle the ball into the top of the net.
Southampton reduced the deficit in the 25th minute through Carlos Jonas Alcaraz who was unmarked and buried the ball to the bottom right corner.
Awoniyi had a great chance two minutes after that to get a hat-trick but he got too much of it and that opportunity went wide of the left post.
Morgan Gibbs-White made it 3-1 just 60 seconds before the halftime break but the Saints were able to get another goal early in the second half to make the game a real contest.
Morgan Gibbs-White played in Danilo who showed great determination to get to the ball before a couple of defenders and from inside the box he shot into the top of the net.
Southampton boss Ruben Sellés made three changes with Paul Onuachu and Sam Edozie part of the trio that came off the bench in the 76th minute.
Former Atletico Madrid defender Felipe made it 4-2 in the 90th minute but a penalty byJames Ward-Prowse in added time to make it a nervous end.
Speaking after the game, Forest manager Steve Cooper praised his team's resilience and character. "We knew it would be a tough game against a strong Southampton side, but the boys showed great determination and fight to secure the win," he said. "Taiwo's brace was particularly impressive, and we're delighted with his progress."
The result sees Nottingham Forest rise to the 16th position in the Premier League table, moving them out of the relegation zone. With only three games remaining in the season, every point will be crucial in their bid to avoid the drop.
As the Premier League season approaches its climax, both sides will be looking to build on their performances and finish the campaign on a high note. For now, however, Nottingham Forest fans can savor a thrilling victory and a memorable performance from their on-loan star, Taiwo Awoniyi.
