The atmosphere around the Nottingham Forest City Ground was "buzzing" as the Reds sealed their first home Premier League win in 23 years with a 1-0 triumph over West Ham. Thousands of fans rushed across Trent Bridge to get to the stadium to see Steve Cooper's side triumph thanks to a goal from new signing Taiwo Awoniyi late on in the first half.
Before the game, a few excited fans spoke about their return to the Premier League, and the chance to see their side back in the top flight for the first time since 1999. Aaron Niles, 30, said: "It's an amazing feeling. For years, you know, I've been watching Forest playing in the Championship.
"There's been loads of ups and downs, I mean I actually thought we would be in danger of going down last year, and now we're here. It's like a dream. "The atmosphere is what I'm most proud of. I think one of the reasons we're here is because of us fans.
"Obviously the side did amazing things last season at the end but our home games are always full of a great atmosphere. It's so exciting now."
David Jennings, 52, said: "Well everything has just felt different since the manager came in. The best I've seen since Clough.
"I'm excited and yes I do think the atmosphere in the ground has a lot to do with how well we do. West Ham and any other team will know that it isn't going to be easy to come here.
"We already beat some top sides in the cup last season so fingers crossed we'll be able to do it again today. I don't see why we can't."
Manager Steve Cooper made two changes from the side that lost 2-0 to Newcastle United in their return to the top flight. Out went Jack Colback and Sam Surridge with Orel Mangala making his first start along with Awoniyi.
They didn't have it all their own way though, and the jubilant fans were made to sweat. Despite a solid first half display, West Ham piled pressure on in the second, and a string of saves from Dean Henderson - including one from the penalty spot against Declan Rice - eventually secured all three points for the newly-promoted side.
Fans also took to Facebook to voice their joy after the final whistle. One user on Nottinghamshire Live's Facebook page said: "Amazing game xx"
Another commented: "EDGE of my seat at times !!!!! Well done boys... YOU REDS". "Great game," a fellow reader said, while another simply stated: "We are back."
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