Southampton vs Nottingham Forest: Live Score, Updates, and How to Watch the Premier League Match

Southampton vs Nottingham Forest: Live Coverage from St. Mary's

Southampton's first home game back in the Premier League ended in a 1-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest. It's four points from two games for Nuno's side, and this week he has Gibbs-White's finish 20 minutes from time to thank.

While the first half saw Forest threaten a possession-happy Southampton despite limited chances - the second saw the visitors make their pressure count as the Saints just couldn't create anything concrete. Gibbs-White's goal came after the hosts failed to get rid from a corner, and after Sugawara's flailing attempted clearance, the midfielder had a simple tap in. Russell Martin has a lot to think about after this tense affair chalks up two back-to-back 1-0 defeats. Southampton mustered an xG of just 0.20, while Forest created an xG of 2.31.

For both sides now, they prepare for League Cup action in midweek. The Saints sit in 16th so far after MD2, while Forest move up to fourth. Thank you for joining us, goodbye!

First Half: Southampton 0 - 0 Nottingham Forest

The first half ends goalless here at St. Mary's as neither side could force a breakthrough in a 45 minutes that saw half-chances as the main method of currency. For Southampton, their confidence in possession in front of their home crowd was pleasant to watch, yet the final ball to the attacking third was often absent. For Forest, they saw glimpses of goal with the ever-present Chris Wood, as well as new centre-back Nikola Milenkovic at set-pieces. In fact, it was the latter which probably had the best chance of the game so far. Wood flashed a low ball back across the face of goal from the right, and the towering Serbian stopper couldn't get his feet right as it pinged wide.

McCarthy has nearly been caught out on the ball, as the Trees have pressed hard. However, as seen with Gibbs-White's somewhat shoddy decision-making on the counter - they'll have to inject further attacking nous for the second period.

Second Half: Southampton 0 - 1 Nottingham Forest

Southampton are probing with the ball. Forest are set up so well though and Smallbone tries to put Armstrong in again. Murillo sees to the danger excellently.

Southampton come forward again, after Elanga charged at Bednarek. Brereton-Diaz switches it to Armstrong, yet Forest's defensive shape makes it difficult to find space. The Saints are contained, until Harwood-Bellis just floats the ball aimlessly out of play.

Southampton get us back in action in the second half. There were no changes at the interval.

After a failed attack, Wood tracks back to trip Walker-Peters on the break. It's a 'good' yellow card, because the wing-back would've been away there.

The Decisive Moment: Gibbs-White Finds the Net

The game remained goalless for a long time, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut opportunities. The deadlock was finally broken in the 60th minute when Morgan Gibbs-White put Nottingham Forest ahead. The goal came after a corner kick that Southampton failed to clear. Sugawara's attempted clearance fell to Gibbs-White, who tapped the ball into the empty net.

The Final Whistle: Southampton 0-1 Nottingham Forest

Despite a valiant effort, Southampton were unable to find an equalizer and ultimately succumbed to a 1-0 defeat. The loss was a blow to their hopes of a strong start to the season, but they will be looking to bounce back in their next match. Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, continued their impressive form, picking up their second win in a row.

Analysis: A Tale of Two Halves

The match was a tale of two halves. In the first half, Southampton dominated possession but lacked the cutting edge in the final third. Nottingham Forest, on the other hand, were more direct and dangerous on the counterattack. In the second half, the tide turned, with Nottingham Forest becoming increasingly dominant, creating more chances and ultimately securing a deserved victory.

Looking Ahead

Both teams will be looking to build on their performances in this match. Southampton will be looking to regain their winning ways, while Nottingham Forest will be hoping to continue their momentum. The upcoming weeks will be crucial for both sides as they aim to establish themselves in the Premier League.