FOOTBALL – Anthony Elanga’s breakaway goal against his former club earned high-flying Nottingham Forest a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Premier League last night.
The Swede left Old Trafford to make way for big-money signing Antony two years ago and played like he had a point to prove at the City Ground, scoring what proved to be the winner, having run two thirds of the pitch, just five minutes in.
Diogo Dalot’s first-half header came out off the crossbar, while substitute Mason Mount fizzed a late strike wide, but otherwise the below-par visitors were again lacking the cutting edge they need to rectify their miserable season.
The victory helps Forest continue their remarkable campaign, with Nuno Espirito Santo’s third-placed side now eight points clear of Chelsea in fourth, while United’s first league loss in five leaves them 13th in the standings.
Earlier, Arsenal beat Fulham 2-1 thanks to another goal from stand-in striker Mikel Merino and as Bukayo Saka struck a few minutes into his return from three months out with injury.
Arsenal went ahead eight minutes before halftime when a cute ball from Jurrien Timber put Ethan Nwaneri round the back of the Fulham defence. He found Merino whose shot deflected beyond the reach of goalkeeper Bernd Leno into the corner.
Saka’s return brought the biggest roar from the Arsenal supporters and the 23-year-old nodded in a flicked-on cross in the 73rd minute not long after coming on. Rodrigo Muniz grabbed a late consolation goal for Fulham.
The home side’s victory means they trail league leaders Liverpool by nine points with eight games remaining. Arne Slot’s side could widen the gap again when they play local rivals Everton today.
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