Nottingham Forest made a dream start to their 2025/26 Premier League campaign, dispatching Brentford 3-1 in front of a jubilant City Ground crowd on Saturday afternoon.
The Reds wasted no time stamping their authority on the game, with Chris Wood netting twice inside the first half and new signing Dan Ndoye opening his account in Garibaldi red. By half-time, Nuno Espírito Santo’s side had carved out a commanding 3-0 lead, playing with a fluency and confidence that delighted the home faithful.
Wood Leads the Charge
It took just six minutes for Forest to break the deadlock. After Brentford failed to clear their lines from an early corner, the ball fell kindly for Wood, who showed predatory instinct to lift it past Caoimhin Kelleher. The goal ignited the City Ground, setting the tone for what would prove a rampant first half.
Forest continued to dominate possession, with Elliot Anderson testing Kelleher from range before the visitors created their first real chance. Yehor Yarmoliuk unleashed a powerful drive on 24 minutes, only for Matz Sels to get down brilliantly to his right and deny Brentford a leveller.
The Reds’ pressure eventually told again in the closing stages of the half. Morgan Gibbs-White delivered a pinpoint cross that was met on the stretch by Ndoye, who headed home his first Forest goal since arriving in the summer. Moments later, Forest struck once more, Anderson splitting the Bees’ defence with a superb through ball that released Wood. The striker rounded Kelleher with composure and slotted into an empty net for his second of the afternoon.
Brentford’s Response
Trailing by three at the break, Brentford faced an uphill battle. Yet Forest showed no sign of letting up after the restart, keeping control of the midfield and creating further opportunities. Gibbs-White came close to adding a fourth just after the hour mark, flicking Callum Hudson-Odoi’s cross narrowly over the bar.
The Bees finally found a way back into the match in the 76th minute when Ibrahim Sangaré was penalised for handball. Igor Thiago converted calmly from the spot to give the visitors a consolation.
A Statement Win for Nuno’s Reds
Despite the late setback, Forest saw out the contest comfortably, securing their first opening-day Premier League victory since 2017. For Nuno Espírito Santo, it was the perfect beginning to the new season—his side combining attacking flair with defensive solidity against a tough Brentford outfit.
With Wood sharp in front of goal, Ndoye off the mark, and Gibbs-White pulling the strings, this was a performance full of promise. If Forest can maintain this intensity, the City Ground could be in for a memorable campaign.