Forest takes big step to ensuring Premier League survival by drubbing Sunderland

TL;DR

Nottingham Forest secured a crucial 5-0 victory over Sunderland, moving eight points clear of the Premier League relegation zone. The win puts pressure on Tottenham Hotspur, who are now at risk of relegation.

Key points

Nottingham Forest won 5-0 against Sunderland
Forest is now eight points clear of the relegation zone
Tottenham Hotspur is at risk of relegation
Sunderland suffered their heaviest defeat at the Stadium of Light
Chris Wood scored his first league goal since the season's opening day

Nottingham ForestSunderlandTottenham HotspurWest Ham

SUNDERLAND, England (AP) — Nottingham Forest took a huge step toward ensuring its Premier League survival in a stunning 5-0 win at Sunderland on Friday. The win lifted Forest eight points clear of the relegation zone and sent shivers down the spine of Tottenham Hotspur fans. Spurs occupy the third relegation spot, two points behind West Ham. With Burnley and Wolves already relegated, Spurs or West Ham are now the most likely candidates to join them. Sunderland had the best defensive record in the league at home after Manchester City and Arsenal, but that defensive solidity disappeared during a woeful first half. Forest looked quicker and hungrier from the off and took the lead after 16 minutes when Igor Jesus’ header went in off Trai Hume following a neatly worked short corner. Disaster then struck for Sunderland as goalkeeper Robin Roefs gifted Forest a second. His sloppy pass went straight to Morgan Gibbs-White, who fed Chris Wood to give the big New Zealander, recently back from a long injury layoff, his first league goal since the opening day of the season. Gibbs-White made it 3-0 three minutes later when he drilled home a low shot after Jesus’ superbly cushioned header gave him time and space. Jesus got Forest’s fourth three minutes later as Sunderland crumbled. Sunderland’s Dan Ballard had a goal chalked off after a video review in the second half and if there was any doubt the home side was all out of luck it came in stoppage time when Elliot Anderson made it five and confirmed Sunderland’s heaviest ever defeat at the Stadium of Light. \\_ AP soccer:

Q&A

How did Nottingham Forest's win against Sunderland affect the Premier League standings?

Nottingham Forest's 5-0 win lifted them eight points clear of the relegation zone, increasing pressure on Tottenham Hotspur.

What were the key moments in the Nottingham Forest vs Sunderland match?

Key moments included Igor Jesus' opening goal, Chris Wood's first league goal of the season, and a late goal from Elliot Anderson that sealed Sunderland's heaviest defeat at home.

Which teams are now most likely to be relegated from the Premier League?

With Burnley and Wolves already relegated, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham are now the most likely candidates to join them.