Forest’s first-half frenzy at Sunderland eases relegation worries

April 24, 2026

Nottingham Forest moved eight points clear of the relegation zone after running riot with four goals in the first half of a stunning 5-0 victory at Sunderland.

Trai Hume’s own goal in the 17th minute sparked Forest into a frenzy, which has left them well clear of Tottenham, who occupy the final spot in the bottom three and visit relegated Wolves on Saturday.

“This is the result of the season,” said Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp. “To go there in the predicament they’re in, an unbelievable result. I can only imagine what (Roberto) De Zerbi and Nuno (Espirito Santo) are thinking now watching it behind their sofas. These three points are absolutely huge.”

Forest were in dreamland at half-time as Chris Wood capitalised on Robin Roefs’ error to slot in a second before Morgan Gibbs-White fired in from a corner and then Igor Jesus completed the rout to give them an extraordinary four-goal lead inside 37 minutes.

Sunderland defender Nordi Mukiele argued with some of his own supporters as the half-time whistle blew, with their European hopes suffering a major blow with four games remaining. Only Burnley and Tottenham have conceded more goals than them since the turn of the year.

Dan Ballard attempted to restore some pride when he headed in midway during the second period, but the goal was harshly ruled out for a foul by Mukiele on Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels following a VAR check.

Forest had just one shot after half-time as they soaked up Sunderland’s attacks, capping a perfect night with Elliot Anderson’s cool finish in added time that has piled the pressure on their relegation rivals this weekend.