The unbeaten Premier League seasons of Brighton and Nottingham Forest continue after an engrossing 2-2 affair at the Amex Stadium saw the visitors finish with 10 men on Sunday. Few had Brighton and Nottingham Forest both sitting pretty and unbeaten after four weeks — let alone five — but hopefully those still waiting to crown the Seagulls and Tricky Trees as legitimate sides will have been pushed by Sunday’s early match. And it’s fitting that those at Fan Fest in Chicago would’ve gotten this match as an appetizer for Manchester City vs Arsenal because Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton played the role of possession-based, fluid machine while Nuno Espirito Santo’s Forest were the angry team prepared to fire forward but only when the priority of holding firm had been met. It was a big game with big goals and big fouls, and there’s reason to believe that both clubs will fight to live as high in the top half as possible this season.
Forest took an early lead through a Chris Wood penalty but needed to rally for a Ramon Sosa equalizer after Jack Hinshelwood and Danny Welbeck pushed the hosts in front before halftime. The first half was a frustrating affair for Brighton, who struggled to create much in front of goal. Forest, however, were dangerous on the counterattack, and they took the lead in the 13th minute when Wood converted a penalty after Carlos Baleba fouled Callum Hudson-Odoi in the box.
Brighton, however, were able to equalize in the 42nd minute when Hinshelwood headed home a brilliant cross from Van Hecke. Just three minutes later, Brighton took the lead when Welbeck curled a free-kick past Sels into the far corner. The turnaround was complete!
Forest, however, were not done yet, and they equalized in the 70th minute when Sosa tapped home a cross from Jota Silva.
The game was marred by a late red card to Morgan Gibbs-White, who was sent off for a second yellow card after a scissor tackle on Joao Pedro. Nuno Espirito Santo and Fabian Hurzeler were also both sent off after arguing with the referee.
Brighton and Nottingham Forest Match Recap
Both teams move to nine points with matching 2W-3D records, the Seagulls a spot ahead in seventh place due to better goal differential. The result was a fair one, as both teams had their chances to win the game. Brighton will be disappointed to have conceded two goals after taking the lead, but they will be pleased to have extended their unbeaten run to five games. Forest will be happy to have come away with a point after going down 2-1, but they will be disappointed to have missed a golden opportunity to win the game.
The match was a physical affair, with both teams committing a lot of fouls. It was also a tense encounter, with both teams eager to win. In the end, it was a draw that neither side will be completely happy with, but it was a game that was entertaining to watch.
Brighton and Nottingham Forest Player Ratings
The match was a rollercoaster ride of emotions, with both teams showing moments of brilliance and frustration.
Hinshelwood was the hero of the first half, scoring a brilliant header and was a constant threat. He was rated 7.6 by Fotmob. Welbeck also had a great first half, scoring the free-kick to put Brighton ahead. He was rated 7.1 by Fotmob.
For Forest, Gibbs-White was a constant threat in the first half, but his red card for a scissor tackle on Pedro was a turning point in the match. He was rated 7.0 by Fotmob.
Forest's Sosa also had a great impact on the game after coming on as a substitute in the second half. He scored a brilliant goal and was rated 7.5 by Fotmob.
What’s Next for Brighton and Nottingham Forest?
Brighton go to Chelsea at 10am ET Saturday, while Forest host Fulham at the same time. Both teams will be looking to continue their unbeaten runs. Brighton will be hoping to get a win against Chelsea, while Forest will be hoping to build on their recent success with another win at home. Both teams will be confident of getting a result in their next matches.
This game was a thrilling encounter between two talented teams. It was a draw that neither side will be completely happy with, but it was a game that was entertaining to watch.
