Nottingham Forest player ratings as clutch of players handed 9s in classic win at Brentford

Nottingham Forest made it three Premier League wins in a row for the second time this season as they toppled Brentford 2-0 courtesy of goals from Ola Aina and Anthony Elanga.

The Reds went into the clash in the capital on the back of successive victories, having seen off Manchester United and Aston Villa. But it was the hosts who made the brighter start, with Matz Sels forced into a couple of early saves. A mistake from Morato then let Yoane Wissa in with 20 minutes gone but he hooked the ball onto the roof of the net.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side worked their way into the game, though, and began to pose a threat. Chris Wood had a couple of sights of goal but it was Aina who broke the deadlock. The defender connected with Neco Williams’ cross to make it 1-0 to the visitors in the 38th minute.

Wood had a chance to double Forest’s lead soon after the break but sent his effort over the bar. However, Elanga made no such mistake a few minutes later as his composed strike in the 51st minute put his team 2-0 up.

The Reds had to weather a storm as Brentford responded with a spell of pressure but they came through to secure the win and go third in the Premier League table.

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Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Matz Sels: Alert to Brentford’s early threat, then outdid himself with a stunning save to thwart Kristoffer Ajer in the second half. Had the away fans chanting his name on the way to a big clean-sheet. Rating: 9/10

Nikola Milenkovic: Peach of a ball in the build-up to Elanga’s goal. Rock-solid at the back as the Reds frustrated their hosts and came away with a very impressive three points on the road. Rating: 9/10

Murillo: The Brazilian will have a lengthy highlights reel from this one. Some excellent defending to keep the Bees at bay, plus went on one of his trademark driving runs in the first half. Rating: 9/10

Morato: Big opportunity for the summer signing, being handed his first start after a string of impressive cameos. Looked nervy early on as he made a couple of mistakes but soon settled down. Rating: 8.5/10

Ola Aina: Lovely finish to open the scoring with his second goal of the season. The case for a new contract was already compelling and the argument for getting him to put pen to paper ASAP just grows stronger every week. Rating: 9/10

Elliot Anderson: Excellent again. Got through a heck of a lot of work as the Reds rode an early storm. The midfielder then helped his team get a foothold in the game. Rating: 9/10

Morgan Gibbs-White: Superb. Put in a real shift as Forest coped with the hosts’ threat. Ensured the Reds carried a threat going forward, though, being involved in some delightful link-up play. Rating: 8.5/10

Neco Williams: From one wing-back to another for the opener as the Welshman teed up his teammate with an inviting cross. That assist was the cherry on top of another fine performance. Rating: 8.5/10

Anthony Elanga: Deserved his recall to the XI after last weekend’s goalscoring cameo. And that selection decision proved to be a good one as the winger made it two goals in as many games. Rating: 8.5/10

Chris Wood: Wasn’t quite the front man’s day in front of goal. Had a hat-trick of chances but unable to put one of them away. No question about his work ethic, however. Rating: 7/10

Callum Hudson-Odoi: A little unfortunate not too get on the scoresheet with a shot in the second half which was blocked. Looked bright throughout and had a hand in the opening goal. Rating: 8.5/10

Substitutes

Nicolas Dominguez (for Anderson, 64mins): Will be disappointed to have picked up a fifth booking of the Premier League campaign. Means a suspension will be on its way. Rating: 7/10

Ryan Yates (for Elanga, 64mins): The kind of game which suits the skipper. Perhaps not fit enough to start after picking up a knock last weekend but did his bit from off the bench. Rating: 7.5/10

Jota Silva (for Gibbs-White, 75mins): Got involved almost as soon as he entered the fray, in typical style. Always has bags of energy whenever he is on the pitch. Rating: 7.5/10

Harry Toffolo (for Williams, 90+2mins): Reds fans sung his name in the closing minutes. A rare appearance but he is still held in very high regard. Rating: 6/10

Taiwo Awoniyi (for Wood, 90+2mins): Difficult for the forward to really make an impact in his time on the pitch. Forest were already well placed when he came on. Rating: 6/10

Not used: Miguel, Ward-Prowse, Moreno, Boly.

How would you rate the Reds against Brentford? Click HERE to have your say

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