NOTTINGHAM (England): A goal in the first half of Taiwo Awoniyi was enough to win Nottingham Forest a 1-0 victory over West Ham United, their first win of the new premier league season as the City Ground hosted top-flight football for the first time since 1999.
On his home debut, Awoniyi scored Forest’s first Premier League goal in 23 years in the first half as he netted Jesse Lingard’s missed shot from Harry Toffolo’s cross moments after West Ham had a disallowed goal by VAR.
Said Benrahma had passed the Forest goalkeeper on loan Dean Henderson following a West Ham block, but the goal was scored after Michail Antonio was found guilty of fouling Orel Mangala in the build-up.
Forest were also denied a goal after a VAR check when Brennan Johnson was ruled offside in the 54th minute, while Henderson saved a penalty from West Ham captain Declan Rice around 10 minutes later to save the weak advance of hosts.
Tomas Soucek’s shot was blocked by Forest defender Scott McKenna’s slightly outstretched arm, resulting in a penalty for the visitors after a VAR replay. Rice’s effort, trailed low to his left, was superbly saved by Henderson.
In the closing stages, Forest full-back Neco Williams cleared Kurt Zouma’s header from the line as Steve Cooper’s side saw seven minutes of stoppage time to pick up their first points of the campaign.
On his home debut, Awoniyi scored Forest’s first Premier League goal in 23 years in the first half as he netted Jesse Lingard’s missed shot from Harry Toffolo’s cross moments after West Ham had a disallowed goal by VAR.
Said Benrahma had passed the Forest goalkeeper on loan Dean Henderson following a West Ham block, but the goal was scored after Michail Antonio was found guilty of fouling Orel Mangala in the build-up.
Forest were also denied a goal after a VAR check when Brennan Johnson was ruled offside in the 54th minute, while Henderson saved a penalty from West Ham captain Declan Rice around 10 minutes later to save the weak advance of hosts.
Tomas Soucek’s shot was blocked by Forest defender Scott McKenna’s slightly outstretched arm, resulting in a penalty for the visitors after a VAR replay. Rice’s effort, trailed low to his left, was superbly saved by Henderson.
In the closing stages, Forest full-back Neco Williams cleared Kurt Zouma’s header from the line as Steve Cooper’s side saw seven minutes of stoppage time to pick up their first points of the campaign.
