Nottingham Forest returned to winning ways as they thumped West Bromwich Albion 4-0 at the City Ground.
Goals from Brennan Johnson, Ryan Yates, Jack Colback and Sam Surridge clinched the three points for Steve Cooper’s side against the 10-man Baggies. In front of a sold-out crowd, it was a comfortable performance from the Reds.
Looking for a response to Friday’s defeat at Luton Town, the hosts were 3-0 up at the break. The Baggies, meanwhile, were down to 10 men with less than 20 minutes played.
Johnson set Forest on their way with a nerveless penalty. Darnell Furlong was already on a yellow card when he blocked a James Garner strike with his hand and received his marching orders.
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And although Albion tried to get into Johnson’s head when he stepped up, the youngster was cool as you like from the spot. He blasted the ball beyond Davis Button to give his side the lead in the 19th minute.
Just four minutes later, the Reds doubled their advantage. After a Philip Zinckernagel strike was deflected behind, Garner whipped in the corner and Yates thumped in a header for 2-0.
The best was still to come, however. Colback may not have meant it when he lashed in a left-footed screamer from an impossible angle on the left flank, but it was a goal of the season contender nonetheless.
Yates went close to grabbing his second of the evening after the break, when he fired just over the bar from outside the area. And Zinckernagel tried his luck from similar distance soon after.
The second half didn’t quite have the same intensity to it, with Forest largely comfortable. But there was still time for Surridge to add a fourth right at the death. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the City Ground.
Brice Samba: Could almost have put his feet up at times as was rarely troubled- by the Baggies. Helped to build from the back, though. Rating: 7/10
Joe Worrall: Was pinging balls all over the place, particularly in the first half, setting up some lovely moves. Steady as you like defensively, too. Rating: 8/10
Tobias Figueiredo: Very solid in the middle of the back line once again. Gives the manager a dilemma now Cook has made his return from injury. Rating: 8/10
Scott McKenna: A boost for the Reds to see him in the line-up after his hamstring trouble at Luton. Handled the threat of Andy Carroll superbly. Deservedly went off to a round of ‘you’ll never beat McKenna’. Rating: 8/10
Djed Spence: Looked to stretch Albion with his pace, making plenty of threatening runs down the right. Had his goal of the season contender pinched off him, though! Rating: 8/10
Ryan Yates: Brilliant header for his ninth of the campaign. Was left unmarked, and made the most of it. Has really upped his goal-threat this term. Rating: 8.5/10
James Garner: Put the ball on a plate for Yates to double the advantage. Controlled the midfield well and chipped in with some strong tackles. Rating: 8.5/10
Jack Colback: Did he mean it? Who cares! It was an absolute stunner. Goal of the season, right there. Shouts of ‘shoot’ went up whenever, and wherever, he got the ball after that. Rating: 9/10
Philip Zinckernagel: Linked up play really well and showed tremendous work-rate to help out defensively. Just missing a goal - had a few chances. Rating: 8/10
Brennan Johnson: West Brom did their best to get in his head as he went to take the penalty. Showed nerves of steel, though, and coolly thumped it home. An assist for Colback’s goal, too. Rating: 8.5/10
Sam Surridge: A big chance for the January striker, in the absence of Lewis Grabban and Keinan Davis. Brings something different to the table, and looked sharp. Lovely finish to round off the scoring. Rating: 8.5/10
Subs
Steve Cook (for McKenna, 74mins): Back earlier than expected from injury, and slotted straight back in. Rating: 7/10
Richie Laryea (for Spence, 79mins): A debut for the Canada international. Made some nice runs, but didn’t see too much of the ball. Rating: 7/10
Cafu (for Yates, 79mins): A menace whenever he gets on the pitch, giving full commitment. Looked to break up play when he could. Rating: 7/10
Subs not used: Horvath, Mighten, Silva, Lolley.
