Nottinghamshire

Pat Riddell
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

It can be frustrating watching a player gain fitness and confidence and without match time it can hard to achieve either. But for the spectator it can be hard going, without knowing or realising the benefit.

Taiwo Awoniyi has not had an easy time of late. Lacking both fitness and confidence, his brief appearances in recent games have been frustrating for supporters and himself alike.

The Nigerian striker played a huge part in Nottingham Forest's first season back in the Premier League — his goal against Arsenal in May 2023 secured our top-flight status and ended the Gunners' title dreams. But a groin problem curtailed the following season and then a broken nose in February 2025 was nothing compared to the abdominal injury sustained in the home game against Leicester City in May. The shocking injury saw the 28-year-old placed into an induced coma.

His first Premier League goal in just over a year marks a remarkable comeback for Awoniyi – and cemented Forest's away win at Brentford on Sunday. There can be few fans who were not moved by seeing him back to his best, however fleeting that moment was.

Following the signing of Lorenzo Lucca last week, both strikers — Igor Jesus and Awoniyi — found the net against Brentford. Was the competition for places an impetus or just coincidence? It doesn't really matter as far as Forest are concerned — scoring goals and taking our chances has been our biggest issue this season.

With rumours of another signing or two before the end of the month, perhaps there will be serious competition for a place in the first XI. And there remains the question of whether Awoniyi will remain at the club beyond the January transfer window, or certainly the summer.

But whatever happens, that goal on Sunday will forever be remembered as his well-deserved comeback moment.

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Nottingham Forest have made a £35m bid for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, but the Eagles want a £40m package and will only let the 28-year-old Frenchman leave if that price is met and they are able to bring in a replacement. (Athletic - subscription required), external

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We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Brentford and Nottingham Forest.

Here are some of your comments:

Brentford fans

Neil: We dominated but it was clear that the system wasn't going to unlock the Forest defence. Changes should have been made before Forest's second - it's been a bit of a thing with the manager not changing things when it is obviously not working. Frustrating but hey ho, onwards and upwards towards Villa next.

Tim: Could somebody tell Keith Andrews that he is allowed to change his tactics during a match, as his current approach is to play Plan A; and if that fails to do the same thing. Today we were Dyched once again, but despite Nelson and Donovan on the bench he made the same subs he always makes. Horribly flat performance.

Les: No plan B. Chelsea and Forest had three shots on target each and scored four goals. Set pieces - it's like we do not have a set piece coach. We can't seem to win balls in the air on the attacking front.

Rob: Poor performance by Bees. Insipid and out of ideas in the final third as they moved the ball too slowly and decision making/technical quality wasn't there. Forest were good for 15 minutes and probably deserved the lead at half-time, but it was two poor teams on display in the second. For some reason, Dyche has the hoodoo over us!

Forest fans

Ian: All that noise and negativity after the Braga game, trust in Dyche! It was a masterclass from him and it was only possible by his choices in midweek. Premier League survival is clearly the most important priority, the Europa League doesn't even begin to come close second. Our Europa game on Thursday is also not as important as beating Crystal Palace next Sunday. Do that and we're right back in the mix. COYR. Keep calm and carry on!

Mark: A good solid away performance. A draw would have been good, but the deserved win was hard earned.

Joe: Was that the Forest of last year again? Score an early counterattack, defend, clean sheet. Job done!

Trevor: Excellent victory for Forest - defended really well and took the chances with two brilliant finishes, top six here we come.

Pundits Wayne Rooney and Danny Murphy join host Kelly Cates to bring you the action and talking points from Sunday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on iPlayer

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Arsenal v Man Utd

• Newcastle v Aston Villa

• Crystal Palace v Chelsea

• Brentford v Nottingham Forest

Bobbie Jackson
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Nottingham Forest spent around £180m in the summer but cracking the code in front of goal has been a major problem for them this season.

No team has failed to score in more different Premier League games than Forest in 2025-26 (11) and only rock-bottom Wolves (15) have scored fewer than their tally of 23.

But crucially they registered twice on Sunday to see off Brentford at Gtech Community Stadium and boost their hopes of survival.

Summer signing Igor Jesus scored for just the second time in the league - controlling on his chest before emphatically volleying in the opener - before fellow striker Taiwo Awoniyi scored for the first time in over a year.

The goals provide relief for both manager Sean Dyche and supporters after a difficult run, but crucially victory also maintains a five-point gap to the relegation zone.

Forest, who had just one win from their previous eight games across all competitions, became just the second team after Manchester City to win at Brentford in the league this season.