West Ham 1-2 Nottingham Forest: Hammers seven points from safety after late penalty
Nottingham Forest sent West Ham deeper into peril in the Premier League as Sean Dyche’s team rallied to secure a vital three points at the London Stadium.
Morgan Gibbs-White’s penalty in the 89th minute hushed an angry home crowd and pushed the Hammers seven points away from safety.
The Hammers could have pulled within a point of their opponents with a crucial home victory, having taken the lead at halftime due to an own goal from Forest center-back Murillo.
Nuno Espirito Santo felt he had created an opportunity against his former team when winger Crysencio Summerville fired in a superb second goal at the start of the second half.
However, after a lengthy pause, the goal was ruled out due to an offside infraction involving new signing Valentin Castellanos in the buildup.
Just moments after West Ham had a second goal disallowed for offside, Nottingham Forest equalized through Nicolás Domínguez pic.twitter.com/cYonlIozT7— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 6, 2026
This decision became pivotal as Forest drew level in an unusual manner, with Nicolas Dominguez’s header drifting slowly into the far corner.
The situation deteriorated for the hosts right at the close, as goalkeeper Alphonse Areola came forward for a cross but ended up punching Gibbs-White instead of clearing the ball.
VAR prompted referee Tony Harrington to reassess the play, and once the anticipated penalty was given, Gibbs-White maintained his composure to convert it.
West Ham faced the absence of Callum Wilson, as the striker reportedly had already arranged his exit after being omitted from the squad earlier in the day.
Omari Hutchinson’s attempt at a Cruyff turn near his own corner flag backfired, resulting in a corner for Forest. When Tomas Soucek head flicked on Summerville’s delivery, Murillo inadvertently sent it past his own goalkeeper.
Dominguez connected with Elliot Anderson’s corner at the near post, his header looping over Kyle Walker-Peters at the far post.
The decisive goal came after Areola ventured out to clear another corner, inadvertently striking Gibbs-White in the face.
Published: 2026-01-06 21:56:00
source: www.101greatgoals.com
