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Toney scores on return, Maupay nets winner as Brentford beats Nottingham Forest 3-2
Ivan Toney marked his return from an eight-month betting suspension with a goal as Brentford secured a 3-2 victory in an exciting five-goal match against Nottingham Forest at the Gtech Community Stadium. The attention was on Toney as he captained the home team after his extended absence, but it was Nottingham Forest who took the lead just three minutes into the game. Danilo showcased skill by controlling a descending ball with his left thigh before delivering a remarkable 25-yard volley into the corner with his right foot.
Brentford, facing a stagnant performance, found the needed spark with Ivan Toney delivering a decisive low 20-yard free-kick in the 19th minute. Ben Mee then headed the home side into the lead just before the hour mark from a left-wing corner. However, Chris Wood leveled the score for Forest seven minutes later with an impressive header, marking his sixth goal in as many matches.
In a back-and-forth contest where Brentford continued to pose a significant threat, Neal Maupay regained the lead for them with a skillful swivel and a low finish 22 minutes from the end. This outcome propelled Brentford to the 14th position, placing them six points clear of the relegation zone, while Nottingham Forest dropped to 16th, two points behind, having played an additional game.
Looking ahead, Nottingham Forest will be in FA Cup fourth-round action at Bristol City on Friday night before hosting Arsenal in the Premier League the following Tuesday. Meanwhile, Brentford’s next league fixture is an away match against Tottenham on January 31st.
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DISCUSSION POINT – BRENTFORD’S SELF-PROCLAIMED ‘BIG DOG’ RETURNS WITH IMPACT
Toney had emphasized his commitment to making a significant impact upon his return to the field, and he lived up to his own expectations with an impressive performance leading the attack. He capped off his display with a cleverly executed free-kick, taking advantage of Forest’s defensive lapse while forming their wall.
In an interesting twist of fate, Toney’s previous Premier League goal occurred 266 days ago when he also scored a free-kick, coincidentally against Nottingham Forest. This comeback performance is a positive start for Toney and holds significance for Brentford, who were keen to avoid a sixth consecutive league defeat. Despite the team’s recent struggles in the table, Toney’s good form is a reassuring factor, especially amid speculation about a potential transfer in January. With his goal-scoring ability and influential presence, there is optimism that Brentford can turn their fortunes around.
Notably, England assistant boss Steve Holland attended the match, and if Toney continues to deliver for his club in the coming months, a return to the England squad ahead of Euro 2024 could be a realistic possibility.
MAN OF THE MATCH – IVAN TONEY (BRENTFORD)
While there were other players with higher involvement from both teams, Toney’s impact on securing his club’s first league victory since December 2 cannot be overlooked. His goal was particularly crucial, coming at a moment when Nottingham Forest had control of the game. Toney’s overall presence provided a much-needed boost to a Brentford squad that was lacking confidence, especially as they face a challenging upcoming schedule with matches against Tottenham (away), Manchester City twice, and Liverpool (home) in four of their next five Premier League games.
PLAYER RATINGS
BRENTFORD: Flekken 6, Pinnock 7, Roerslev 7, Collins 7, Mee 8, Jensen 7, Janelt 7, Damsgaard 7, Lewis-Potter 6, Maupay 7, Toney 8*. Substitutes: Baptiste 6, Reguilon 6, Dasilva n/a, Ajer n/a, Yarmoliuk n/a.
NOTTINGHAM FOREST: Turner 6, Tavares 7, Murrilo 7, Omobamidele 7, Montiel 7, Danilo 8, Mangala 7, Hudson-Odoi 6, Yates 7, Dominguez 7, Wood 7. Substitutes: Williams 6, Aguilera n/a.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
3’ – GOAL! – Nottingham Forest takes the lead as Brentford struggles to clear a high ball on the edge of their area. Danilo collects with his knee and unleashes a powerful 25-yard volley into the corner.
19’ – GOAL! – Brentford levels the score at 1-1 with a brilliant 20-yard free kick from Ivan Toney, curling it into the bottom right-hand corner.
58’ – GOAL! – Brentford pulls ahead 2-1 as Ben Mee outpaces his marker, heading home from a left-wing corner at the near post.
65’ – GOAL! – Nottingham Forest responds, tying the game at 2-2 with a sharp header from Chris Wood, who meets a left-wing cross brilliantly inside the area.
68’ – GOAL! – Brentford regains the lead at 3-2 as Neal Maupay showcases a fantastic finish. Maupay controls a cross from the right, executes a spin, and rifles a low shot into the far corner.
