Forest survive West Ham’s frantic finale to set up crunch decider against Chelsea
Jacob Steinberg
5 – 6 minutes
In the end the only thing missing was Evangelos Marinakis charging down to the pitch to add one more body to Nottingham Forest’s desperate rearguard action. There was chaos everywhere at the London Stadium, all sense evaporating after Jarrod Bowen stirred West Ham into life with a superb volley. So serene until Bowen’s goal transformed the mood in the 86th minute, Forest were gripped by nerves once their two-goal buffer disappeared and they found themselves battling to prolong their push for Champions League qualification.
There were 17 minutes of added time to endure. A melee broke out at one stage and there was an escape for Forest when Matz Sels, a standout player during a season in which so many of Nuno Espírito Santo’s players have exceeded expectations, repelled a powerful header from Niclas Füllkrug, whose introduction as a substitute had contributed to West Ham’s belated improvement in attack.
Forest are doing it the hard way. Not bothered about aesthetics, Nuno relished his side, with 39.5% of the possession, securing a second win in eight games. All that mattered after a recent wobble was rising a point below fifth-placed Aston Villa and setting up an almighty showdown with Chelsea at the City Ground on the final day. “We are trying to make something magical happen,” Forest’s manager said. “It is going to be a special game.”
Do not bet against Forest if they can ride a wave of emotion against Chelsea. Here they were playing for Taiwo Awoniyi, still recovering in hospital after undergoing surgery on a horrific abdominal injury, and proving they have not been affected by Marinakis’s very public debrief with Nuno after last weekend’s draw with Leicester. A restorative 2-1 victory, secured with goals from Morgan Gibbs-White and Nikola Milenkovic, means Forest continue to push against the Premier League’s established order.
Can they finish the job? The evidence is inconclusive. “It was more open than me and Nuno would want,” Graham Potter said after another disappointing result at home. Forest, boosted by Murillo returning from a hamstring injury to renew his partnership with Milenkovic in central defence, are giving chances away. West Ham started well and could have led when Tomas Soucek’s header drew a wonderful save from Sels after two minutes.
Goalkeeper Matz Sels saves from Carlos Soler to help keep Nottingham Forest’s top-five hopes alive
Goalkeeper Matz Sels saves from Carlos Soler to help keep Nottingham Forest’s top-five hopes alive. Photograph: Matthew Childs/Action Images/Reuters
Vladimir Coufal’s early raids from right-wingback caused problems. The Czech Republic international almost marked his penultimate appearance for West Ham by scoring his first goal for the club with a deflected drive that Sels pushed wide. Aaron Cresswell, another veteran defender playing his final home game in claret and blue, later threatened with a back-heel.
Forest stood firm. They knew that West Ham were even more vulnerable at the back. Gibbs-White spurned an easy chance, volleying straight at Alphonse Areola from close range. Anthony Elanga then teed up Chris Wood to test Areola from 25 yards. West Ham’s goalkeeper is undoubtedly a fine shot-stopper. Yet he is less sure commanding his area and even worse with the ball at his feet, so it was not clear why he was attempting to play out from the back in the 11th minute. Baiting the press is not really Areola’s thing and he was embarrassed when Gibbs-White intercepted a pass to Guido Rodríguez before firing an uncompromising finish into an unguarded net.
While Gibbs-White celebrated by lifting a shirt in support of Awoniyi, the air went out of West Ham. They have struggled at home under Potter, whose steady 3-5-2 system has had more success in away games. “At home you have to be the protagonist,” he said. “You have to be able to be proactive.”
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There was a quadruple substitution from Potter before the hour. Forest responded by doubling their lead in farcical circumstances, Milenkovic onside when he diverted Elanga’s firm free-kick past Areola. Patience was stretched to breaking point by thevideo assistant referee taking six minutes to assess whether Nicolás Dominguez, marginally offside in the middle, was interfering with play when Milenkovic scored. It later emerged that the semi-automated offside system was not available, plus that communications with Stockley Park had broken down. “They’re drawing the lines,” Potter said. “I think they ran out of ink.”
The delay gave West Ham time to recover. They improved thanks to Potter’s attacking changes, Lucas Paquetá, Carlos Soler and Füllkrug making a difference. It was game on when Morato, introduced to stiffen Forest’s defence, headed Paquetá’s chip to Bowen. The subsequent finish was emphatic and the stage was set for a frantic finale. How Forest made their fans sweat. How they fought for the points. Now for Chelsea.
West Ham forward Crysencio Summerville is facing a race to be fit for the start of the 2025/26 season, talkSPORT understands.
The Dutchman recently underwent surgery on a hamstring injury, having managed just 19 appearances in the Premier League this term.
Summerville has struggled with injuries throughout his debut season with the Hammers after arriving in a £25million deal from Leeds.
It is understood West Ham see the 23-year-old as a big part of their future plans – with a squad overhaul planned for the summer.
Credit: Getty
‘I need you’
Mikel Arteta has called for all Arsenal fans to get behind the team tonight in a video posted on social media.
The Gunners boss directly spoke to supporters, asking them to ‘play every pass’ with the players against PSG at the Emirates.
There is sure to be a superb atmosphere in North London later on as they look to take a huge step towards Champions League glory.
A win tonight would put them on the brink of their first final in this competition since 2006.
In the video, Arteta says: “It’s our time. It’s time to make it happen.
“I need you, I need the person next to you. I need that connection. I want you to play every single ball with us. Every pass, every tackle, every run, every decision.
“You need to live the energy of the stadium and the people next to you. I count on you. Let’s make it happen.”
‘The biggest games of our career’
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo knows just how important the end of the season is for his side.
Forest are on the brink of a Champions League place, with a win against Brentford on Thursday moving them closer.
If they beat the Bees, they’d move back to third in the table with four more games to play this campaign.
They know that if they win all of their fixtures, they will be playing in UEFA’s top tier competition next season.
Speaking about the pressure on his team, Espirito Santo said: “All the games are going to be very, very important for a lot of teams in this fight, we have one more, let’s try to perform well.
“We are back in the City Ground in front of our fans [on Thursday against Brentford], it’s a big help.
“We have never stopped believing, no matter what happens.
“Throughout the competition, we have had good moments and bad moments and we have been able to react and again it is up to us to react again.
“All the games are the biggest games of our career, this is how we approach it.
“We are only thinking about Brentford now, that is the only think we have to consider now in our minds, is to compete against them.
“It’s in our hands, that’s a big advantage.”
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Clause active
Liam Delap’s relegation release clause is now triggered following Ipswich’s drop from the Premier League.
And that is music to the ears of his suitors.
According to Ben Jacobs, Chelsea, Manchester United and Newcastle are among the clubs keen on signing Delap.
RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen have enquired too.
He is expected to prioritise European football, waiting until the end of the season to see which clubs qualify for it.
Any deal is expected to be done quickly in the summer window.
Out of nowhere
talkSPORT understands that Kepa Arrizabalaga is attracting interest from Germany.
The Spanish goalkeeper, still the most expensive in history, is currently on loan from Chelsea to Bournemouth.
He has become the club’s number one and helped the Cherries challenge for Europe.
However, Bayer Leverkusen are eyeing a summer move for the Chelsea outcast.
They are willing to compete with the Cherries directly for his signature, with Leverkusen looking for a long-term Lukas Hradecky replacement.
Yes Ndidi
Leicester midfielder Wilfred Ndidi will be available for a cut price this summer due to a clause in his contract.
The Nigerian, who was signed by the Foxes for £17million in 2017, has a £9million release clause, talkSPORT understands.
It was activated after the club were confirmed to be relegated from the Premier League this season.
Crystal Palace, Fulham and Everton are all interested in Ndidi.
Saudi side Al-Ahli also have the midfielder on their radar although they are yet to make any approach.
Ndidi was linked with a move away last campaign, however, he signed a new three-year deal at the club instead.
But it seems the clause was added into that contract to allow him the option to depart should relegation occur.
And now it has, his future looks likely to be away from Leicester.
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 26: Wilfred Ndidi of Leicester City during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leicester City at Molineux on April 26, 2025 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images)
Pogback
Could Paul Pogba be set to return to football?
Well, the World Cup winner, who is free to play again after a doping ban, is said to be ‘in talks’ about a comeback.
It’s not in the competition you’d expect, though, as Pogba may be set to feature in the Baller League.
Speaking last night during commentary, Baller League UK president KSI hinted at a potential huge transfer.
When asked about a realistic wildcard that could join the league, he said: “Pogba. He’s a free agent.
“We do [follow each other on social media] and we are in talks.”
On which team Pogba could join, KSI added: “I think a player of that calibre would have to play for N5.”
N5 are a team managed by Arsenal Invincibles Jens Lehmann, Freddie Ljungberg and Robert Pires.
So we could well see Pogba under the management of some footballing icons in the six-a-side scene.
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Transfer news
Manchester City will NOT allow Jack Grealish to leave on loan this summer, talkSPORT understands.
Grealish has been linked with clubs including Aston Villa and Tottenham after starting only seven Premier League games this season.
The England international spoke openly about his frustrations at a lack of playing time after scoring against Leicester last month.
But with Kevin De Bruyne leaving the Etihad at the end of the season and Kyle Walker having already departed, Grealish is seen as one of the senior heads in the dressing room.
City know they would not be able to recoup the £100million they paid to trigger the 29-year-old’s Aston Villa release clause and are reluctant to weaken the squad by sanctioning a temporary departure.
Grealish is also understood to be settled in the north west and his inclusion in the starting line-up for Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final win over Nottingham Forest was seen as positive by his camp.
You can read more on the latest transfer news in Alex Crook’s Notebook below…
Emulating Wenger
Arsenal legend Lee Dixon has praised Mikel Arteta for ending a ‘toxic’ environment at the Emirates.
He believes that the Gunners manager has achieved what legendary boss Arsene Wenger also created at the club.
And it means the atmosphere inside the stadium this evening for the clash against PSG is going to be special.
Dixon said on talkSPORT Breakfast this morning: “You have to give great credit to Mikel Arteta because it was toxic not that long ago, that stadium.
“To bring it back to where it is now and what it’s going to be like tonight, I can’t wait to get there, he’s done all that, him and his team and the club have created an environment that gives the players a platform to be able to go and do their best.
“That takes me back to Arsene Wenger, that was his strength. The ability to put the players into a place both physically and mentally that gets the best out of every single one of them.”
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No doubt
It’s not going to be a hard decision to name the Premier League’s Player of the Season for the 24/25 campaign.
That’s according to Andy Townsend, who believes Mohamed Salah is the only option to receive the award.
Salah has broken record after record this season and his incredible stats are surely going to hand him the accolade.
He’s had a hand in 46 goals in 34 Premier League games, and his eye is on setting even more records in the final few fixtures.
“The Player of the Season has to be Mohamed Salah, it’s got to be him,” Townsend said on talkSPORT Breakfast.
“I know the prize is exactly what it says, for the season, but you can’t help with Mo Salah to take into account his numbers across seasons.
“His consistency, he plays every week, he does everything you need to be a remarkable player.
“He does the lot, and this season again, his consistency has just been really good.”
Not happy
PSG manager Luis Enrique has hit back at the media for their negative approach to questioning about his team.
At his press conference, reporters asked about Vitinha’s dip in form, their group stage results and set-piece defending.
But Enrique was having none of it, saying before his side face Arsenal: “No one is talking about the goals or the games we’ve won, let’s talk about our defeats, that’s fine.
“You can say everything you want, you can send everything my way. Our mindset is wonderful.
“The most unhappy or sad member of the squad is me, so you can just imagine what the others are doing.”
He then added: “Let me just specify. Maybe I am getting things wrong, but when I’m talking about the negative climate, I’m not talking about the fans or the staff within the club.
“But yeah, the questions coming from the media and even the questions the journalists ask, I think it is quite negative, but maybe that’s just me.”
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‘The biggest the Emirates has seen’
Arsenal are set for their most pivotal game of the season this evening as they take on Paris Saint-Germain.
The Gunners reached the Champions League semi-finals by spectacularly knocking out Real Madrid in the quarters.
But now they have to back it up against a PSG side who have already eliminated both Aston Villa and Liverpool.
So much is riding on success in Europe for Mikel Arteta’s side, with this being their only hope for silverware this campaign.
And Arteta has labelled this first leg as one of the biggest for the club since they built the Emirates.
He said at his pre-match press conference: “It does [feel like the biggest game of my life] and you sense it, you sense the energy, the enthusiasm that it’s something unique.
“It’s probably one of the biggest games that the Emirates have seen since we built it. We’re full of energy, enthusiasm and can’t wait to play the game.”
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Relocation, Relocation, Relocation
Twickenham could host Chelsea matches should they need to play away from Stamford Bridge during redevelopment.
The Blues have held long-term interest in upgrading their home ground, whilst a move to Earl’s Court has also become an option.
Should they redevelop Stamford Bridge, The Guardian report that they could move to fellow south-west London venue Twickenham.
It’s currently the home of the England national rugby union team, with RFU CEO Bill Sweeney hinting that the Blues could play there.
“It [the RFU] would allow it to happen. There have been conversations previously about possible Premiership [sic] clubs coming here.
“Richmond council, Richmond borough is more concerned about that. I just think in terms of impact on local residents, numbers of fans and so on they’re a little bit more sensitive.
“It may depend on which club it is. It would be a big financial number, I know Richmond borough would definitely have a conversation about that though.”
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Klopp’s tribute
Jurgen Klopp has taken to social media to react to Liverpool’s Premier League title win.
Arne Slot’s side wrapped up top spot in his first season after Klopp’s exit, with the Dutch boss paying tribute to the Reds’ legend.
But 24 hours on, Klopp has paid tribute to his former club.
Taking to Instagram, Klopp wrote: “Super grateful for the past.
“Super, super happy about the present.
“Extremely positive about the future!
Congratulations – YNWA. Thank You Luv.”
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Chelsea keeper choice
Chelsea plan to decide on a new number one goalkeeper next season from their current crop of options.
The Blues have been strongly linked with signing a new stopper in the summer.
Amongst their rumoured targets is Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel.
However, Ben Jacobs reports that those reports are wide of the mark and no approaches have been made to keepers at other clubs.
Instead, Chelsea will install one of Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Djordje Petrovic or Mike Penders between the sticks.
Sanchez and Jorgensen have battled to be Enzo Maresca’s first-choice this term.
Petrovic previously held the honour under Mauricio Pochettino but was loaned out to Strasbourg last summer.
As for Penders, the teenage Belgian keeper joined the Blues in 2024 before returning to Genk on a season-long loan.
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Elland Road plans
Newly-promoted Leeds have unveiled proposed images for their planned expansion of Elland Road.
The Championship side sealed a return to the Premier League on Easter Monday.
They will play top-flight football once again next term, two years on from relegation in 2023.
Leeds are also now looking to move forward with plans to ‘modernise and improve’ their famous home.
It comes after Leeds City Council unanimously agreed to the project, which will look to increase the capacity to 53,000 fans.
Elland Road, which has been Leeds’ home since their formation in 1919, currently holds 37,645 supporters.
Redevelopment work includes revitalising the West and North Stands as well as changes to the South Stand.
The club hope the expansion will help meet the demand for tickets, with 26,000 supporters currently on their season ticket waiting list.
Credit: X / @LUFC
‘Unforgettable’ celebration
Councillor Liam Robinson has promised an ‘unforgettable’ day for Liverpool fans at their victory parade.
The Reds have confirmed a celebration in the city on May 26, the day after their final match of the season.
In a statement, Cllr Robinson said: “We’re delighted to officially invite Liverpool Football Club to parade around the city on May 26. A Liverpool victory parade is more than football – it’s a celebration of our city’s pride, passion and community spirit.
“A huge amount of work goes on behind the scenes in preparation for an event of this size and scale, and there has already been months of careful planning taking place as the Team Liverpool approach – which we saw work so well throughout Eurovision – comes to the fore again.
“It’s set to be an unforgettable Bank Holiday weekend as we give the team the celebration they deserve.”
The squad will celebrate their 20th league title with supporters on a 15km route through the city.
As in 2019 and 2022, the parade will begin at Allerton Maze in the south of Liverpool.
The parade is expected to last between three and five hours, with the route ending at Blundell Street.
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Rashford ruled out
Marcus Rashford is set to miss the rest of the season through injury.
The on loan Aston Villa winger was absent from Saturday’s FA Cup final defeat due to a hamstring issue.
According to The Athletic, he is expected to be ruled out for their remaining four Premier League matches.
Rashford will not undergo surgery on the injury, with the 27-year-old undergoing rehab and tests at Villa.
However, the club have not ruled out a return for their final home game of the season against Tottenham on May 18.
Rashford is ineligible for the final day trip to parent club Manchester United the following week.
Meanwhile, his priority is understood to be on getting fit in time for England’s two matches in June.
The Three Lions face Andorra away from home in World Cup qualifying on June 7 before a friendly against Senegal three days later.
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Kane’s ‘dream move’
Liverpool have been told to swoop for Harry Kane this summer after winning the Premier League title.
Ally McCoist believes the Reds are still lacking a ‘proper goalscorer’ to lead their attack.
Although Mohamed Salah has scored 28 league goals this term, he is the only player to pass the 15-goal mark for Arne Slot’s side.
As a result, McCoist believes a striker should be a priority in the summer, with Kane an ideal option for the champions.
The talkSPORT co-host told Breakfast: “I look at Liverpool just now and they could probably still do with an out-and-out number nine, proper goalscorer.
“Diaz has been brilliant, Salah has been absolutely out of this world and they’ve got midfielders chipping in.
“I don’t see it happening, but see, if Harry Kane won the Bundesliga, which he will do, and then fancy if he would come back to England?
“I just think, for Liverpool, that would be a dream move for them.”
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Liverpool victory parade
Liverpool have confirmed they will hold a victory parade through the city with the Premier League trophy.
The Reds sealed a record-equalling 20th league title on Sunday by beating Tottenham.
It capped a stunning debut season in charge for Arne Slot after succeeding Jurgen Klopp in the dugout.
Following the joyous title celebrations at Anfield, a trophy parade will also be held following the end of the season.
In a statement, the club confirmed it will be held on May 26, the day after their final match of the season.
The Reds are set to be presented with the trophy at home to Crystal Palace on May 25.
Their parade the following day will begin at 2.30pm and follow a 15km route.
Similarly to their 2019 and 2022 parades, the route will begin at Allerton Maze and conclude at Blundell Street with a predicted journey time of three to five hours.
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Trent sends message
Trent Alexander-Arnold has sent a message to Liverpool fans after their title triumph.
The Reds sealed their Premier League triumph at Anfield on Sunday.
Needing only a point, they came from behind to thrash Tottenham 5-1.
The win secured Alexander-Arnold’s second league title, having been part of the side which did the same in 2019/20.
Following the victory, he shared a series of snaps from Liverpool’s title celebrations to social media on Monday.
Alongside a post on Instagram, Alexander-Arnold wrote: “For the City. For the Fans.”
It comes amid speculation surrounding the 26-year-old’s future.
He is understood to have agreed to join Real Madrid on a five-year deal when his contract expires this summer.
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Football news LIVE: Arsenal prepare for Champions League semi-final, Arteta ready for ‘biggest game Emirates has seen’, Ndidi wanted by four clubs
🚨 WEST HAM FANS SHOCKED: Premier League Slaps Severe Penalties After Dramatic Liverpool Clash! 😱
In a stunning development that’s left West Ham fans reeling, the Premier League has imposed severe penalties on the Hammers’ supporters following a dramatic clash with Liverpool. The penalties come after West Ham fans were spotted engaging in behavior that sparked widespread concern and condemnation.
What Happened?
The incident in question occurred after the highly anticipated match between West Ham and Liverpool, which ended in a thrilling draw. As the final whistle blew, some West Ham fans took to the stands, displaying behavior that was deemed unacceptable by the Premier League. The exact nature of the behavior is still under scrutiny, but sources confirm that it involved offensive chants and banners that breached the league’s regulations.
Premier League’s Response
The Premier League has taken a firm stance on the matter, imposing severe penalties on West Ham fans. The penalties include:
– A ban on away fans for the next two matches
– A hefty fine, rumored to be in the region of £100,000
– Mandatory fan education programs
West Ham United’s Statement
West Ham United has released a statement apologizing for the behavior of their fans and assuring that the club is cooperating fully with the Premier League’s investigation. The club has also announced that they will be taking steps to identify and punish those responsible for the unacceptable behavior.
Fan Reaction
West Ham fans are shocked and disappointed by the penalties, with many taking to social media to express their frustration. However, others have acknowledged that the behavior of some fans was unacceptable and that the penalties are a necessary measure to maintain discipline and respect in the game.
What’s Next?
The penalties are set to have a significant impact on West Ham fans, particularly those who travel to away matches. The club will need to work hard to restore the reputation of their fans and ensure that such incidents do not happen again in the future. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is certain: West Ham fans will be under close scrutiny, and any further incidents will be met with severe consequences. 💥
*Stay Tuned for More Updates!*
As the story develops, we’ll bring you the latest updates and reactions from the world of football. Follow us for all the latest news, analysis, and opinions on this developing story!
West Ham Fans Face Severe Penalties from Premier League After Shocking Incident vs Liverpool!
In the aftermath of the intense match between West Ham United and Liverpool, the Premier League has announced severe penalties for West Ham fans following a disturbing incident that was caught on camera. The penalties come as a result of West Ham supporters engaging in unacceptable behavior that has been deemed a serious breach of Premier League regulations and standards of conduct.
Details of the Incident
According to eyewitnesses and video footage, a section of West Ham fans were involved in throwing objects onto the pitch and directing abuse at Liverpool players during the heated match. The situation escalated when some supporters allegedly invaded the pitch, prompting swift intervention from security personnel and law enforcement. The Premier League, after reviewing the footage and conducting a thorough investigation, has decided to impose strict penalties on West Ham United for the actions of their fans.
Penalties Imposed
The penalties include:
– A substantial fine imposed on West Ham United
– A partial stadium closure for upcoming matches, meaning certain sections of the stadium will be off-limits to fans
– Individual bans for identified fans involved in the misconduct
– Mandatory fan education programs for those attending future matches
Reaction from West Ham United
The club has issued a statement apologizing for the behavior of some fans and emphasizing their commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment at all matches. West Ham United has also pledged full cooperation with the Premier League’s investigation and has promised to take internal actions against fans found guilty of misconduct.
Impact on the Fans
The penalties have been met with mixed reactions from the West Ham fanbase. While some understand the need for accountability and respect for the game, others feel that the punishments are overly harsh and penalize the entire fanbase for the actions of a few. The club is working to communicate with its supporters and ensure that the measures taken do not unfairly impact the majority of fans who conduct themselves in a respectful and sporting manner.
Looking Ahead
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fan conduct and the responsibility that comes with supporting a football club. West Ham United, along with the Premier League, is taking steps to prevent such incidents in the future and to promote a positive and respectful atmosphere at matches. The club encourages all fans to uphold the values of sportsmanship and to enjoy the game in a way that respects all participants, including players, officials, and fellow supporters.
