Knockaert and Samba star as Forest grab important victory at City Ground

Nottingham Forest picked up a vital three points in their fight against relegation as they defeated Blackburn Rovers 1-0 at the City Ground.

Forest’s only goal of the game came in the 25th minute, when Alex Mighten’s deflected strike from the edge of the penalty area caught out Blackburn keeper Thomas Kaminski and found the back of the net.

It was a huge moment for the 18-year-old to score his second goal for the Reds and the first he has scored at the City Ground. Nottingham Forest fans will be hoping it’s one of many more to come on Trentside.

But the two man influences for Forest in the win over Rovers were that of Anthony Knockaert and Brice Samba.

Knockaert was one of the first signings made by manager Chris Hughton after he replaced Sabri Lamouchi back in October. The pair had previously worked together at Brighton, where they helped the club win promotion to the Premier League back in 2016/17.

Though it has been a steady start to life for both Hughton and the winger in the East Midlands, it has been very promising in recent weeks, in terms of results and even performances. Forest have been more of a threat going forward, which has been influenced by Knockaert who had created many chances for his side.

And the Frenchman was the architect for many of the hosts’ attempts on goal. In the 11th minute he almost opened scoring. He played a one-two with Glenn Murray, drove into the six yard area, cut inside two of the Rovers players and went for goal, however Ryan Nyambe produced a remarkable goal line clearance to deny him.

In the space of five minutes, Knockaert shifted his way through the area only to have a shot blocked by Amari’i Bell, and was then laid off by Forest’s January signing, Filip Krovinovic. With Murray making his way into the box he tried to pick him out with a cross, but it proved to high for the striker, two very good chances.

But Knockaert played his part in what proved to be the winning goal midway through the first period. Forest won a free-kick after Krovinovic was brought down by Bell, Knockaert floated the ball into area, which eventually fell to Mighten who fired it home.

The Frenchman could have bagged another assist just a couple of minutes later too when delivering a well-weighted cross to Murray who was able to bring the ball down and opened up some space. The striker fired at goal but his effort went narrowly wide.

Then just before the break Forest won a free-kick in the final third, which was taken once again by Knockaert. He picked out on-loan Manchester United youngster James Garner, who was able to get his head on the delivery but was denied by the crossbar.

It was an influential first-half performance by the former Brighton man who was near enough involved in every chance that Forest created.

But if the first 45 belonged to Anthony Knockaert, then it can be argued the second-half was Brice Samba’s. The Forest keeper has been a real asset to the club since he arrived from French side Caen in the Summer of 2019, his performances in his debut season earning himself a place in the PFA Championship Team of the Season.

And Samba showcased his significance to his side in the victory. With Blackburn striker Adam Armstrong in the starting XI, a man who has scored 19 goals in the Championship, it was going to be a tough match for the Forest backline.

But the Reds number one did well to keep out the Rovers man. He was beaten once by Armstrong’s clean strike on the edge of the area, but the post was there to keep the score at 1-0.

As Rovers grew into the game, so did Samba’s importance. Just ten minutes after the interval, Armstrong let rip a powerful effort, but it was well saved by the ‘keeper.

But with 20 minutes to go, came arguably the biggest moment of the second half. Knockeart attempted to back pass to Samba. The pass fell short and was being chased down by Nyambe, the Forest man tried to claim the ball but brought down the Rovers full-back and conceded a penalty which was going to be taken by Armstrong.

But Armstrong was unable to grab his 20th of the season, Samba went to the bottom right corner of his net and saved the spot-kick. Bell then picked it up on the edge of the area and attempted to play the ball in which was caught by the Reds keeper.

It was a huge result for Forest, and a result somewhat inspired by both Knockaert and Samba. The win over Blackburn has meant they have kept seven clean from their last 13 games, and has moved them seven points clear of the bottom three.

Things are looking up for the two-time European Champions, but they are not out of danger just yet. Chris Hughton’s men will now turn their attention to a trip to Rotherham United on Tuesday in what is relegation six pointer.

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