A first-half strike from Taiwo Awoniyi was the difference as Nottingham Forest got a vital 1-0 away victory against relegation rivals Southampton.
Striker Che Adams fired wide early in the first half in what turned out to be Southampton’s best opportunity of the game. Brennan Johnson hit the bar soon after for Forest before playing an instrumental role in Forest’s goal, pouncing on a loose pass from Lyanco and squaring the ball to Awoniyi to sweep home.
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Southampton saw more of the ball in the second half but failed to threaten, registering no shots on target and ensuring Forest secured all three points to move out of the relegation zone.
Awoniyi was unfortunately forced off with a knock in the 71st minute and was replaced by Sam Surridge.
Following his match-winning performance, Awoniyi was voted man-of-the-match by Forest fans in a Twitter poll.
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Love it, @taiwoawoniyi18. 😁 pic.twitter.com/rh06VOl9An
— Nottingham Forest FC (@NFFC) January 4, 2023
Awoniyi was also awarded the Premier League MoTM award in Forest’s last match, a 1-1 draw against Chelsea, his first in the PL.
The 25-year-old Kogi native has scored four (4) goals in 16 matches for Steve Cooper’s side in the Premier League, with Forest sitting in 15th on the log.
It is FA Cup third-round fixtures next for both sides on Saturday with Southampton traveling to face Crystal Palace while Nottingham Forest travel to face Blackpool.
