Super Eagles defender Ola Aina provided a crucial assist as Nottingham Forest secured a vital 2-0 Premier League victory over Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Sunday.
Forest started the game brightly and took the lead in the 12th minute through a swift counterattack. Ola Aina surged down the right flank to the edge of the pitch and delivered a low cross into the box, where Igor Jesus arrived to finish from close range and put the visitors ahead.
The match was played at a high tempo but was repeatedly disrupted by stoppages for injuries, with medical staff frequently called onto the pitch. Brentford ended the first half on a stronger note, pressing for an equaliser, but Forest held firm and went into the break with a narrow 0–1 lead in a contest marked by intensity and interruptions.
After the restart, Brentford continued to push for a way back into the game, but Forest remained compact defensively and dangerous on the counterattack. The visitors absorbed pressure and looked to exploit spaces as Brentford committed players forward.
Taiwo Awoniyi was introduced in the 68th minute to replace Igor Jesus, and the Nigerian striker made an immediate impact. In the 79th minute, he finished off another lethal counterattack, racing into the box to meet a pass from Morgan Gibbs-White before firing a right-footed shot past the goalkeeper to double Forest’s advantage.
Ola Aina also delivered a strong all round defensive performance. He completed the full 90 minutes, recording four interceptions, five clearances and eight recoveries, while also completing 22 of his 29 passes.
The result was a significant one for Nottingham Forest, who came into the match with just one win in their previous eight games. Brentford, by contrast, had suffered only one defeat in their last seven matches and were unbeaten in seven consecutive home games before this loss.
Forest’s disciplined defensive display and clinical finishing on the counterattack proved decisive, with Awoniyi’s late goal sealing a hard earned and morale boosting victory on the road.
