Ola Aina featured for Nottingham Forest F.C. but could not stop them from falling to a 2 to 1 defeat away to Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. in the Premier League.
Brighton took the lead after just five minutes. Diego Gomez met the ball from a tight angle and fired a powerful volley through the legs of Murillo and past goalkeeper Matz Sels. The Forest keeper, who had recently returned from injury, will feel he could have done better with the effort.
Forest responded well and drew level eight minutes later. A clever dummy from Callum Hudson Odoi allowed Igor Jesus to break down the left and square the ball for captain Morgan Gibbs White. He took a touch before unleashing a superb strike from 20 yards into the top corner.
However, the game swung back in Brighton’s favour almost immediately. Forest failed to clear a cross from Kaoru Mitoma, Jack Hinshelwood headed the ball back into the danger area, and Danny Welbeck calmly controlled before finishing past Sels to restore the home side’s advantage. The goal was Welbeck’s 10th of the league season, marking the second consecutive campaign he has reached double figures in the top flight.
Brighton dominated much of the first half after retaking the lead. Sels had to make several important saves to deny Mitoma and Hinshelwood, while Welbeck narrowly missed another chance. Forest struggled to cope with the pressure and looked unsettled as the hosts pushed for a third goal.
After the break, Brighton continued to threaten. Welbeck saw a goalbound effort deflected wide, Mitoma fired into the side netting, and Pascal Gross forced a sharp save from Sels. Forest offered little in response. A header from Gibbs White went straight at goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, while Taiwo Awoniyi, who came on late, headed off target after missing a good opportunity.
Ola Aina played 83 minutes before being substituted. He made three clearances, two recoveries, had 43 touches and completed 28 of his 29 passes in his 12th league appearance of the season. Taiwo Awoniyi, his fellow Nigerian teammate, came on as a substitute in the 83rd minute for Igor Jesus, had just two touches, and missed a big chance.
The result gives Brighton back to back league wins and eases any lingering concerns about being dragged into the relegation battle. Forest, meanwhile, remain just two points above the drop zone as they continue to fight for survival with crucial matches ahead.
