The City Ground set the stage for Nottingham Forest’s opening Premier League fixture of the 2025–26 season, and the home side wasted no time in reminding everyone of their ambition. The crowd, vibrant and expectant after last year’s European qualification, roared in delight as Forest immediately imposed themselves on a Brentford side that looked unsettled from the outset. Chris Wood struck inside the first five minutes, smashing home from a corner to ignite what would become a statement performance from Nuno Espírito Santo’s team.
Brentford, making their first league appearance under new boss Keith Andrews, were always facing an uphill battle without key attacking threats Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa. Their makeshift frontline struggled to create meaningful chances, while Forest’s midfield trio, led by Morgan Gibbs-White, dictated possession with composure and vision. The imbalance grew more obvious as the half progressed, with Brentford chasing shadows against a team full of confidence.
The highlight of the afternoon came in the 42nd minute when Forest’s summer signing Dan Ndoye introduced himself to the Premier League in style. Latching onto a precise cross from Gibbs-White, the Swiss winger rose highest to guide a header past Caoimhín Kelleher, doubling Forest’s advantage and sending the home crowd into raptures. Just moments later, Wood grabbed his second, calmly rounding the Brentford goalkeeper to give Nottingham Forest a commanding 3–0 lead at half-time.
The second half played out at a slower rhythm, with Forest conserving energy and controlling territory rather than chasing more goals. Brentford managed to pull one back late in the game when Igor Thiago converted from the penalty spot, but the contest had long been settled by then. Even with the consolation strike, Andrews’s men looked disjointed and toothless in attack, leaving serious questions about how they will cope during the early part of the season without their absent stars.
By the final whistle, Nottingham Forest had secured a comfortable 3–1 victory that underlined their growth and intent. Chris Wood’s brace reinforced his importance to the side, Ndoye’s debut goal hinted at exciting things to come, and Gibbs-White once again proved his value as the creative heartbeat of the team. For Brentford, however, this was a sobering reminder of the work still required under their new manager. One club began their campaign with momentum and optimism; the other left Nottingham facing a long road to stability.
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Watch and Download Nottingham Forest vs Brentford full match replay and highlights, At Sunday, August 17, 2025. The match played at The City Ground, in Premier League, England.
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