Elliott Anderson admitted that Nottingham Forest made it difficult for themselves after this afternoon’s 3-2 win over Southampton.

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

Goals from Anderson, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Chris Wood inside the opening 41 minutes put the Saints in front but they were hit by goals from Jan Bednarek and Paul Onuchu in the second half. The visitors then almost grabbed an unlikely equalizer with Ola Aina having 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 BBC Match of the Day: “We started really bright but made it difficult for us in the second half. Finally we got three points and I am really happy.

It’s been good work for Forest who successfully built on a midweek draw with leaders Liverpool.

“We came out attacking both games with the same mindset,” Anderson said. “Southampton had a really good midweek against Manchester United so we knew it was going to be difficult for us.

“The manager said it’s always difficult when you have something to lose. We needed those three points because there are teams behind us.

On his goal, he added: “I’ve been working hard on it and the boys are telling me to shoot. When I got the space I thought I’d give it a shot.”

Juric upset with first half performance

Saints are rooted to the ground despite another spirited performance just three days after they dominated before losing 3-1 to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Boss Ivan Juric said: “In the first half, we weren’t competitive and that’s what happened. We played with heart and intensity (in the second) and we scored. That’s how we have to score.

“I didn’t talk to him (at half-time). We’re a competitive team but if we’re down 10 percent, we’re not competitive. I hope we never have a first half like today again. They score the first two goals, it’s ridiculous.

“In the second half we fight back and score twice. Aina saved the other. For 80 minutes at Manchester United, in the second half today, we were good. We are not ready for 90 minutes and that is a real pity.