Key Takeaways:
- Nottingham Forest defeated West Ham 2:1 at the London Stadium in the Premier League’s 21st round
- Morgan Gibbs-White scored a decisive 89th-minute penalty after VAR intervention
- West Ham remain seven points adrift of Nottingham Forest and have not recorded a win since the beginning of November
Match Overview
Nottingham Forest secured a crucial away victory, overcoming West Ham United 2:1 in a tense fixture at the London Stadium. Morgan Gibbs-White’s 89th-minute penalty proved to be the difference, extending Sean Dyche’s side seven points clear of the Hammers in the ongoing battle to avoid relegation. The hosts’ dismal form continued, deepening the frustration of their supporters, many of whom exited the stadium before full time.
Three big points in the capital. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/2EWUslpX12
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) January 6, 2026
First Half – West Ham Edge Ahead
Valentín Castellanos, West Ham’s latest acquisition, featured in the starting XI and made an early impact. Just two minutes in, his shot deflected off a defender for a corner. The hosts sought an immediate breakthrough, with Crysencio Summerville also challenging Forest’s keeper Mats Sels. At the other end, Neco Williams tested Alphonse Areola, who responded with a strong save.
West Ham made the breakthrough in the 13th minute. Summerville’s corner found Tomáš Souček, whose header towards the far post resulted in an own goal by Murillo. This early lead prompted the Hammers to adopt a more cautious approach, which allowed Forest to gain momentum. Callum Hudson-Odoi spurned a chance to equalise in the 22nd minute, firing wide, and his powerful strike on the cusp of half-time struck the crossbar.
Second Half – Forest Rally and Seize Victory
After the break, West Ham searched for a second goal, with Jarrod Bowen dribbling into a strong position only to miss the target. Summerville capitalised on a defensive lapse and finished expertly from the box’s edge but saw his goal ruled out for offside. The momentum soon swung as Forest levelled through Nicolás Domínguez, who headed home following a corner to make it 1:1.
With West Ham unsettled, Nottingham Forest pressed for a winner. The home side mounted sporadic attacks, with Pablo Felipe, another new arrival, replacing Lucas Paquetá and immediately threatening, though he sent his shot wide. Areola denied Nicolás Domínguez with a key save to keep West Ham in contention.
A dramatic finish ensued in the final quarter-hour. Nottingham Forest survived a frantic goalmouth scramble, and in the 81st minute, Bowen’s dangerous run ended with Murillo intervening to concede a corner. Despite appearing to have fresher legs, West Ham suffered a telling blow in the 86th minute. Areola, attempting to punch clear, made contact with Gibbs-White’s face. Referee Tony Harrington, after consulting VAR, awarded Forest a penalty, which Gibbs-White duly converted in the 89th minute to seal the win.
Statistical Summary
| West Ham United | Score | Nottingham Forest |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Goals | 2 |
| Murillo (own goal 13’) | Goal Scorers | Domínguez (55′), Gibbs-White (penalty 89’) |
| Alphonse Areola | Penalty Conceded | – |
| Last win: Early November | Form | Seven points clear of West Ham |
What’s Next
West Ham United now turn their attention to an FA Cup fixture against QPR before returning to league action to face Tottenham. Nottingham Forest will play Wrexham in the FA Cup and subsequently welcome Arsenal in their next Premier League contest.
