Nottingham Forest strengthen Top-Four bid with dominant win over Ipswich

Nottingham Forest reaffirmed their credentials as a top-four contender in the Premier League with a convincing victory over relegation-threatened Ipswich Town at Portman Road. The comprehensive 4-2 win leaves Forest just one point behind second-placed Arsenal, who face Chelsea on Sunday, and inches them closer to securing a Champions League spot for next season.

Forest's Ruthless First-Half Surge

It was a special day for Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo, as he marked his 50th Premier League match in charge of the club. His side capitalized on Ipswich's defensive vulnerabilities, particularly during a devastating seven-minute spell in the first half.

Nikola Milenkovic opened the scoring for Forest after just 15 minutes, reacting quickest to a deflection from Ipswich forward Liam Delap, who inadvertently headed the ball into the Serbian defender’s path. Milenkovic fired a rising shot into the net from eight yards to put the visitors in front.

Just two minutes later, Forest doubled their lead. A lapse in concentration from Ipswich allowed Elliot Anderson to release Anthony Elanga, who was given plenty of space to run unchallenged from halfway. The Swedish winger made no mistake, drilling a low shot into the far corner from 15 yards to put Forest firmly in control.

Elanga Seals the Win with a Brilliant Brace

Ipswich’s defensive woes continued as they allowed Forest to extend their lead further. Elanga, who had already scored once, was at the heart of Forest’s third goal. After a long punt forward from Milenkovic, Elanga snuck in between three Ipswich defenders to score his second of the afternoon, slotting past goalkeeper Alex Palmer.

Ipswich pulled one back through a stunning individual goal from Jens Cajuste, who turned away from Ryan Yates before curling a superb effort into the top corner of the net. But any hopes of a comeback were dashed when Forest’s Jota Silva netted a fourth goal, finishing off a well-worked move from Morgan Gibbs-White.

Late Goal Gives Ipswich Some Consolation

Despite the result being beyond doubt, Ipswich salvaged some pride with a late goal. George Hirst found the net in the dying moments, but it was a mere consolation for Kieran McKenna’s side, who have now gone without a league win in 2025.

Forest’s dominant performance saw them move closer to their goal of European football, while Ipswich’s struggles at the bottom of the table continue. They remain in 18th place, and are now the only team in the top four divisions of English football without a win this calendar year.