West Ham came from 2-1 down to beat Nottingham Forest 3-2 thanks to a late header from Tomas Soucek, lifting the side into the top half of the Premier League table.
West Ham 3-2 Nottingham Forest: Soucek Scores Late Winner
First Half
West Ham got off to the perfect start and opened the scoring after just three minutes. Lucas Paqueta capitalised on an unfortunate mistake from Nicolas Dominguez and fired the ball into the bottom corner from outside of the box, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead.
My word… it’s an absolute gift for West Ham! 🎁
Lucas Paquetá 👏 pic.twitter.com/XDC6Wv2vnf
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 12, 2023
Steve Cooper’s side responded well to going a goal down and forced Alphonse Areola into a fine save when Taiwo Awoniyi’s header looked destined for goal, but a big left hand from the Frenchman kept his side in front.
The Reds’ pressure eventually payed off, and they were level just before half-time. Morgan Gibbs-White found himself in behind the Hammers defence and his shot was saved well by Areola, but Awoniyi was there to tap in the rebound and make it 1-1.
With the scores level at the break, it was all to play for going into the second half.
Second Half
The second half started with chances at either end, with both sets of players believing they could go on to win the contest.
And it was Forest who struck next, Anthony Elanga put the visitors 2-1 up with a wonderful finish. However, it was the top work from Ola Aina on the right wing who put it on a plate for the Swedish winger to fire home. Coopers’s side led for the first time in the game, but had plenty of work still to do.
IT’S A BRILLIANT GOAL 😍
Ola Aina 🔗 Anthony Elanga pic.twitter.com/1Pzcr3cQAw
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 12, 2023
But David Moyes‘ side were not going down without a fight and responded brilliantly. Just three minutes after going 2-1 down, the Hammers found an equaliser. James Ward-Prowse delivered a peach of a corner, which was headed in by Jarrod Bowen.
The momentum was back in the hands of the hosts, who were looking to keep up their strong home record. And they did just that when Tomas Soucek headed in the winner, thanks to another delightful delivery from Ward-Prowse taking his tally of assists for the season to seven.
A HUGE goal for West Ham as Souček leaves it late! 🔥⚽ pic.twitter.com/2yvD031he5
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) November 12, 2023
Forest struggled to deal with set-pieces from Ward-Prowse all game, and ultimately payed the price with the equaliser and winner both coming via a corner from the former Southampton midfielder.
Following the victory, the Irons move into the top half of the Premier League table, meanwhile Forest remain in 15th.
According to the best football betting sites, West Ham are priced at 11/8 to finish in the top half come the end of the season.
Next up after the international break for the Hammers is a trip to Burnley, meanwhile Steve Cooper’s side host Brighton.
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