Forest’s win – dug out from under a deluge of late West Ham attacks, born from a succession of late blocks – was their 10th away league victory of 2024-25.
It is twice the number they have won on the road in their last two league seasons combined, their joint most in the Premier League era alongside 1994-95 – when Forest finished third – and most have come in games where they had a minority of possession and played under pressure.
At West Ham, Forest had 39.5% of the ball.
That is not to say they are lucky. This game also showed Forest’s great virtue of hard work. Morgan Gibbs-White anticipated the 11th-minute rick by West Ham keeper Alphonse Areola, nipping in to intercept a weak pass and slam into the empty goal. It was the 17th goal Forest have scored from opposition errors this league season.
They also have quality, as shown by Elanga’s devilish set-piece which Milenkovic turned in to spark the VAR chaos.
It was Swedish forward Elanga’s 11th league assist of 2024-25 – level with the Forest record in the Premier League, alongside Bryan Roy in 1994-95.
Victory means they take the battle to the last game next Sunday, when they host Chelsea – one of their rivals for a Champions League spot.
Forest must beat the Blues, and hope at least one result from the games involving fellow contenders Newcastle, Aston Villa and Manchester City goes in their favour.
Not bad for the side who finished fourth-bottom last season.
Potter said Forest’s rebirth was “aspirational” for West Ham, while when asked if he would have taken this scenario if offered it in August, Nuno said: “I will sign it!
“Sunday will be a special game, we have to enjoy the moment. Since the beginning of the season we wanted to be in this fight. We are in the last game and the City Ground will be huge.”
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