Elliot Anderson admitted Nottingham Forest made themselves difficult after their 3-2 win over Southampton this afternoon.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side moved level on points with second-placed Arsenal despite losing a 3-0 lead to the bottom of the Premier League at the City Ground.

Goals inside the opening 41 minutes from Anderson, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Chris Wood pulled the game ahead of the Saints but they hit back in the second half through Jan Bednarek and Paul Onuachu. The visitors almost grabbed an unprecedented goal when Ola Aina had to clear off the line to deny Bednarek his second.

Three points at home. pic.twitter.com/BDXkDKNbMF

– Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) January 19, 2025

Anderson told the BBC’s Match of the Day: “We started really bright but struggled in the second half. In the end we got the three points and I’m really happy.”

It’s been a good performance for Forest who built up well in midweek’s clash with leaders Liverpool.

Anderson said: “Southampton were good in midweek against Manchester United so we knew it was going to be tough for us.

“The manager said that it is always difficult when you have something to lose.” We needed the three points because there are teams coming behind us. “

On his goal, he added: “I have been working hard to do that and the boys have been telling me to shoot.” When I found the space, I just thought I was going to hit it.”

Juric was outraged by the show’s first episode

The Saints remained on their toes despite another strong display just three days after beating Manchester United at Old Trafford before losing 3-1.

Boss Ivan Juric said: “In the first half, we are not competitive and that’s what happened. We played with heart and intensity (in the second) and we scored. This is how we should score.

“I didn’t speak to them (last time). We’re a competitive team but if we’re 10 percent down then we’re not competitive. I hope the first half like today doesn’t happen again. They scored the first two goals, that’s ridiculous.

“In the second half we fought and scored twice. Aina saved another. At Manchester United for 80 minutes, in the second half today, we were good. We were not prepared for 90 minutes and it is very unfortunate.”