Nottingham Forest took a significant step towards securing a top-four finish in the Premier League with a convincing 4-2 win over relegation-threatened Ipswich at Portman Road.
The victory moves Forest to within a point of second-placed Arsenal, who face Chelsea on Sunday, and edges them closer to Champions League football next season.
Forest’s dominance was evident in a devastating seven-minute period during the first half, as they ruthlessly exposed Ipswich’s defensive frailties.
Nikola Milenkovic opened the scoring with a rising shot from eight yards, before Anthony Elanga doubled the lead with a low effort into the far corner.
Elanga’s second and Forest’s third was a result of shambolic defending by the hosts, as the Sweden winger nipped in between three players and slipped the ball past Ipswich goalkeeper Alex Palmer.
Although Jens Cajuste pulled a goal back for Ipswich with a superb curling effort, Jota Silva re-established Forest’s three-goal cushion after being played in by Morgan Gibbs-White. George Hirst’s late goal provided some consolation for the hosts.
The defeat leaves Ipswich 18th in the Premier League table, with the club still searching for their first league win in 2025.
“We were clinical and ruthless in front of goal,” said Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo. “We’re taking it one game at a time, but we’re excited about our prospects.”
Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna added: “We’re disappointed with the result, but we’ll keep working hard to turn our season around.”
Match Stats:
– Ipswich: Cajuste (65′), Hirst (88′)
– Nottingham Forest: Milenkovic (24′), Elanga (26′, 38′), Silva (73′)
Next Fixtures:
– Ipswich: vs. Everton (April 1)
– Nottingham Forest: vs. West Ham (April 1)
