JUST-IN: Awoniyi nets as Nottingham Forest pip West Ham in EPL clash
Super Eagles forward Taiwo Awoniyi netted the only goal of the match as Declan Rice saw a second-half penalty saved at Nottingham Forest as West Ham slumped to a second successive defeat to begin the new Premier League season.
𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗧 𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞 ❤️
🌳🔴 #NFFC pic.twitter.com/D9nhxVVna5
— Nottingham Forest FC (@NFFC) August 14, 2022
Awoniyi, one of Steve Cooper’s 14 summer signings, bundled home on the stroke of half-time after a scuffed Jesse Lingard shot was inadvertently deflected into his path by Ben Johnson.
The goal ensured that the newly-promoted Forest were left to celebrate their first top-flight victory since May 1999.
Our first @premierleague goal at The City Ground since 1999, scored by @taiwoawoniyi18 ❤️
🌳🔴 #NFFC pic.twitter.com/SPdopIqIMF
— Nottingham Forest FC (@NFFC) August 14, 2022
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Interestingly, Hammers captain’ Rice could not equalise from the spot as his tame kick was easily repelled by England colleague Dean Henderson after Scott McKenna had blocked Tomas Soucek’s goal-bound strike with his arm in a fast and furious affair at a raucous City Ground on Sunday.
Said Benrahma had a goal ruled out for a barge by Michail Antonio in the first half, while the Algerian and Pablo Fornals also struck the woodwork on a day of huge frustration for David Moyes’ side – beaten by reigning champions Manchester City on opening weekend – in the searing East Midlands sunshine.