Elliot Anderson admitted Nottingham Forest made things difficult for themselves after beating Southampton 3-2 this afternoon.
Nuno Espirito Santo's side are level on points with second-placed Arsenal despite almost squandering a 3-0 lead over the bottom side of the Premier League at the City Ground.
Goals in the first 41 minutes from Anderson, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Chris Wood put the game out of reach for Saints but they hit back in the second half through Jan Bednarek and Paul Onuachu. The visitors then almost snatched an unexpected equalizer, as Ola Aina had to clear the ball off the goal line to deny Bednarek his second goal.
Three points at home. pic.twitter.com/BDXkDKNbMF
– Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) January 19, 2025
Anderson told BBC Match of the Day: “We started great but we made it difficult for ourselves in the second half. In the end we got the three points and I’m really happy.”
It was good work for Forest who built on a midweek draw with leaders Liverpool.
“We went into attack in both games with the same mentality,” Anderson said. “Southampton were really good in midweek against Manchester United, so we knew it was going to be tough for us.
“The manager said it's always difficult when you have something to lose. We needed those three points because there were teams creeping behind us.”
He added of his goal: “I worked hard for it and the players were asking me to shoot. When I got the space I thought I would just hit it.
Juric is upset about the halftime show
Saints remain rooted to their feet despite a spirited display just three days after they dominated Manchester United at Old Trafford before losing 3-1.
“In the first half, we were not able to compete and that's what happened,” coach Ivan Juric said. “We played with heart and intensity (in the second half) and scored. This is the way we have to score.”
“I didn't talk to them (at halftime).” We are a competitive team, but if we lose by 10%, we won't be able to compete. I hope the first half doesn't happen like today again. They scored the first two goals, which is ridiculous.
“In the second half we fight and score two goals. Aina saved another one. At Manchester United for 80 minutes, in the second half today, we were good. We are not ready for 90 minutes and that is really unfortunate.”
