Nottingham Forest ratings - high marks as Reds claim massive win over Sunderland

The Reds seem to have found their scoring boots at just the right time, with Chris Wood, Morgan Gibbs-White and Igor Jesus all on target on a memorable night. A huge win over the Black Cats moved Forest eight points clear of the bottom three with four games to go.

Having gone five points clear of the drop zone with last weekend’s 4-1 thumping of Burnley, Vitor Pereira’s side travelled north with an opportunity to extend that gap. The Portuguese head coach has cautioned it will take a “special” points total to survive this season and the last thing he wants is for the Reds to take their foot off the gas.

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Injuries to winger Callum Hudson-Odoi and defender Murillo - the former being ruled out for the remainder of the campaign - represented a blow in the build-up to the Stadium of Light clash. But Forest arrived in positive mood and with the momentum of a seven-match unbeaten run in all competitions.

Four first-half goals, three in the space of just six minutes, had them in dreamland going in at the break. Pressure? What pressure? The Reds did their best to deflect it all on to their relegation rivals with a 45-showing that left their opponents stunned. By the end of it, the away end were chanting: “We want five.”

It could have been different had Chris Rigg made more of an early opportunity. Indeed, Forest had a few early openings themselves which they failed to take advantage of.

Soon the floodgates opened, however. Omari Hutchinson had been unable to capitalise on a couple of loose balls inside the first 10 minutes or so but he was at the heart of the Reds’ breakthrough with 17 minutes gone.

Hutchinson took a short corner, then got the ball back to swing it to the far post where Igor Jesus was waiting. The Brazilian met the cross but it went down as an own goal as it cannoned off the back of Trai Hume’s head.

Chris Wood had an effort saved soon after but the New Zealander made no mistake just past the half-hour mark. A poor pass from Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs bounced off the Reds striker and was picked up by Morgan Gibbs-White, who fed his teammate and Wood did the honours to double his side’s lead.

Gibbs-White then got in on the act in the 34th minute, swinging a shot in from Jesus’ knockdown. And having been denied getting on the scoresheet for the opener, Jesus finally got his goal eight minutes from the break when the ball fell nicely for him at the back post.

Sels denied Enzo Le Fee late on as the hosts continued to search for a consolation effort. But there was to be no denying Forest a big three points in the north east as Elliot Anderson rounded off the scoring in added time. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the Stadium of Light.

Ola Aina: Stayed alert in the second half when Sunderland tried to give the home crowd something to cheer. A good evening’s work all round as the Reds claimed a massive three points. Rating: 8/10

Nikola Milenkovic: The Reds’ back line did seem a little nervy in the opening stages when Sunderland applied some pressure. They didn’t have it all their own way in the second half, either, but the Serbian still played his part in a well-earned clean-sheet. Rating: 8/10

Jair Cunha: A big opportunity for the Brazilian, making only his third Premier League start in countryman Murillo’s absence. Another assured outing, so was a shame to see him forced off with a shoulder injury. Rating: 8/10

Neco Williams: A typically energetic performance from the Welshman. Terrific ball in to help the Reds get their third and also chipped in with some thunderous challenges at the other end of the pitch. Rating: 8.5/10

Ibrahim Sangare: Gave Forest a platform to build from with a busy 45 minutes before the break. Had to be alert to Sunderland’s threat but carried out his work efficiently and effectively. Rating: 8/10

Elliot Anderson: The former Newcastle United midfielder will have enjoyed this one. Took a bit of stick off the home crowd but did what he is so good at doing for Forest. Set the tone with positive play early on and got his reward with a goal. Rating: 8.5/10

Omari Hutchinson: The first half has to go down as the winger’s best 45 minutes for the club and shows what he’s capable of. Was dangerous throughout and played a delightful cross to the back post for the opener. Rating: 9/10

Igor Jesus: This set-up seems to suit the Brazilian, in particular, as he benefits from having Wood up there with him. Unlucky not to come away with a brace, due to Forest’s first going down as an own goal. He did get an assist, though. Rating: 9/10

Morgan Gibbs-White: The talisman of this team. Has been almost single-handedly dragging Forest to results in recent weeks and he was at it again in the north east. A spot on the plane to the World Cup must surely be getting closer. Rating: 9/10

Chris Wood: He’s back alright! A first goal since October for the New Zealand international - and he took it really well, too. Was thoroughly deserved on a night where he worked so hard. Rating: 9/10

Nicolas Dominguez (for Sangare, 46mins): Seemed to be a little jittery early on after entering the fray. Settled down, though, even if the second half was not as free-flowing as the first. Rating: 7/10

Morato (for Jair, 50mins): Sunderland caused a few problems in the second half, even if the game was already over with by that point. The Brazilian did a job, though. Rating: 7/10

Luca Netz (for Hutchinson, 67mins): Will have done the winter window signing good to get some minutes. Got forward well in the closing stages, in the build-up to the fifth goal. Rating: 7/10

Ryan Yates (for Jesus, 67mins): Put a shift in during his time on the pitch as the hosts tried to make it more of a contest. He will have loved this one. Rating: 7/10

Taiwo Awoniyi (for Wood, 88mins): Got a great reception from the away end when he came on. A positive contribution, even if it was a short one. Rating: 7/10

Subs not used: Ortega, Ndoye, McAtee, Bakwa.