LONDON – Nottingham Forest took a giant step toward Champions League qualification next season with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United, while Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka marked his injury return with a decisive goal in a 2-1 win against Fulham on Tuesday.
At the City Ground, former United winger Anthony Elanga delivered a moment of magic just five minutes in, sprinting from deep in his own half and firing a low shot past Andre Onana to secure all three points for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side. The stunning solo effort handed third-placed Forest a 10-point cushion over sixth-placed Newcastle. With English clubs excelling in Europe this season, the Premier League’s top five are nearly guaranteed Champions League spots—reviving hopes for Forest, two-time European champions who last competed in the elite competition in 1980.
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Elanga, discarded by United in 2023, has flourished under Nuno, and the manager praised his impact: “He’s a special boy and he gives this team his speed. He does it by himself and we are delighted.” Despite fatigue from a grueling FA Cup quarter-final win over Brighton and the absence of top scorer Chris Wood, Forest held firm. United, stuck in 13th with no back-to-back league wins this season, lacked firepower. “We should have won this game,” lamented boss Ruben Amorim, whose late gamble of deploying Harry Maguire as a striker nearly paid off when Murillo cleared his stoppage-time shot off the line.
Meanwhile, Arsenal kept pace with leaders Liverpool, trimming the gap to nine points. Saka, back after a month sidelined, headed in Martinelli’s flick from Merino’s cross just eight minutes after coming off the bench. “A beautiful moment,” said Mikel Arteta, noting the crowd’s adoration. Merino’s deflected strike had given Arsenal the lead, but Gabriel Magalhaes’ hamstring injury—weeks before a Champions League clash with Real Madrid—dampened the mood. Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz scored late, but the defeat dented their European hopes.
Elsewhere, Wolves bolstered their survival bid with a 1-0 win over West Ham, Jorgen Strand Larsen’s goal lifting them 12 points clear of the drop zone. Forest’s fairytale season, including an FA Cup semi-final berth, contrasts sharply with United’s struggles, while Arsenal’s resilience keeps them in the title hunt despite mounting injuries.
Key Points:
- Nottingham Forest’s Win: Forest beat Manchester United 1-0, with Anthony Elanga’s stunning solo goal in the fifth minute securing the victory at the City Ground.
- Champions League Push: Third-placed Forest extended their lead over sixth-placed Newcastle to 10 points, bolstering their chances of a top-five finish and Champions League qualification.
- Elanga’s Impact: The ex-United winger, thriving under Nuno Espirito Santo, showcased his pace and skill, earning praise as a “special boy” from his manager.
- United’s Struggles: Manchester United, languishing in 13th, failed to capitalize despite late pressure, with boss Ruben Amorim lamenting their lack of quality in the final third.
- Arsenal’s Victory: Arsenal defeated Fulham 2-1, with Bukayo Saka scoring on his return from injury and Mikel Merino netting a deflected opener.
- Saka’s Return: Saka, back after a month out, headed in eight minutes after coming off the bench, cutting Liverpool’s lead at the top to nine points.
- Injury Blow for Arsenal: Key defender Gabriel Magalhaes limped off with a hamstring injury, adding to Arteta’s concerns ahead of a Champions League clash with Real Madrid.
- Fulham’s Setback: Rodrigo Muniz’s late goal wasn’t enough for Fulham, denting their European ambitions.
- Wolves’ Survival Boost: Wolves beat West Ham 1-0, with Jorgen Strand Larsen’s goal moving them 12 points clear of the relegation zone.
