Wood scores again as Forest move up to third with win over West Ham

Chris Wood continued his superb start to the season as Nottingham Forest beat West Ham in the Premier League on Saturday.

Forest came into the match as one of the league’s in-form sides, having won 16 points from their opening nine games while taking points off both Liverpool and Chelsea.

Wood’s form has been a key factor in the strong start, and it was the striker’s close-range header that gave the home side the lead at the City Ground.

West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui fielded three centre-backs in an effort to keep the New Zealand international quiet, but Wood was left completely unmarked to convert Alex Moreno’s cross from six yards out and take his season tally to eight.

The visitors struggled for much of the first half, and their task was made all the more difficult when Edson Alvarez was shown a second yellow card for scything down Anthony Elanga on the stroke of half-time.

West Ham improved after the break but Callum Hudson-Odoi doubled Forest’s lead when his cross sneaked past Lukasz Fabianski at the back post.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side looked happy to see out the result before Ola Aina rifled a shot into the top corner from the edge of the penalty arc to send the City Ground into raptures.

Things would have been worse for West Ham had Fabianksi not produced two spectacular late saves, and had the offside flag not ruled out Ryan Yates’ close-range finish.

Forest have now won three Premier League games in a row for the first time since May 1999.

The victory lifts Forest up to third in the table, one point above title contenders Arsenal and six behind leaders Liverpool.

Already under pressure, Lopetegui’s side drop one place to 14th with just 11 points after 10 games.

Wood in the form of his life

Few would have predicted Chris Wood would be in this kind of form 10 games into the season.

The 32-year-old has scored eight goals so far – only Manchester City’s Erling Haaland (11) is ahead of him on Premier League goals – and is already over halfway to beating his return of 14 goals in 31 league outings last season.

The Kiwi is now Forest’s second all-time leading scorer in the Premier League with 23, just one behind Bryan Roy (24) having already overtaken Stan Collymore (22).

Forest struggled for goals in each of the past two seasons, but now they have an in-form striker who could keep them well clear of a relegation fight.

Before the match, Nuno insisted the club are not concerned about Wood’s contract situation. If he continues firing, the manager will surely hope he stays beyond the end of the season.

“Chris has a work ethos that always amazes us. We are delighted to have him, not only the goals but the way he helps,” Nuno told Sky Sports after the match.

“He is in a good moment. What we want is to provide the platform and the environment for him to keep producing.”