Nikola Milenkovic became the sixth different Forest player to score a Premier League goal this term, though unfortunately past his own goalkeeper. The Serbian defender suffered a dismal afternoon as he also provided the final touch for Brentford to secure a valuable home victory that maintains their push near the top six. This dreadful own goal sparked another poor display, leaving new manager Oliver Glasner under mounting pressure. Former boss Vitor Pereira served less than six months in the post, with a large portion during the off-season.
Forest hoped to show fighting spirit, but that faded after thirty minutes when Milenkovic directed the ball past his own net. Goals have been scarce at the City Ground this campaign, leaving Forest with a league-low six goals, trailing even last-placed Sunderland. Record signing Liam Delap failed to add to his single strike following his £45 million summer arrival, and left the pitch with 35 minutes remaining to be replaced by veteran Chris Wood after a frustrating outing.
James McAtee missed an open opportunity in the first half when he shot wide while in plenty of space. The opening goal arrived on the half hour mark when Caoimhin Kelleher sent a low kick through midfield to Dango Ouattara on the right flank, catching defender Murillo off guard. Ouattara sprinted to the by-line and delivered a low cross that deflected off Milenkovic's outstretched foot past keeper Matt Sels to give Brentford the lead.
Milenkovic subsequently conceded a foul near his penalty box, allowing Matthias Jensen to strike the crossbar from the resulting free kick. With 14 minutes remaining, substitute Jaidon Anthony ran down the right wing and passed to Igor Thiago, whose shot hammered home off Milenkovic's trailing leg to seal the 2-0 scoreline. The result stops a four-match winless streak for Brentford and keeps them two points ahead of seventh-placed Bournemouth.
