Chris Wood scored a hat-trick as Nottingham Forest demolished Brighton 7-0 at the City Ground on Saturday, reigniting their push for next season’s Champions League.
Morgan Gibbs-White, Neco Williams, and Jota Silva were also on target, while Lewis Dunk’s own goal set the tone for a stunning display from Nuno Espírito Santo’s side. The result marked a strong response after last weekend’s 5-0 defeat at Bournemouth.
The victory moves Forest level on points with second-placed Arsenal and extends their lead over sixth-placed Chelsea to seven points.
With English clubs excelling in European competitions this season, finishing fifth in the Premier League is likely to be enough for Champions League qualification.
Forest, two-time European Cup winners under Brian Clough in 1979 and 1980, last played in European competition in 1996. However, with 10 wins in their last 12 matches, they are on course to end that long absence.

Wood Shines as Brighton Collapse
Brighton boss Fabian Hürzeler took a bold approach, starting with five forwards, but the gamble backfired as Forest ruthlessly exposed the Seagulls’ defensive frailties.
Dunk gifted the hosts an early lead after 12 minutes, turning Gibbs-White’s low cross into his own net. Gibbs-White then powered in a header from an Anthony Elanga corner to double the lead.
Elanga, who Manchester United may now regret selling, tormented Brighton down the right. His pinpoint cross on the half-hour mark provided Wood with a simple header for his 15th Premier League goal of the season—his best-ever tally in English football.
Wood added two more after the break, finishing from close range after another Elanga assist before completing his hat-trick from the penalty spot after Gibbs-White was fouled by Tariq Lamptey.

The New Zealand striker is now closing in on Stan Collymore’s record of 24 goals for a single Premier League season at Forest.
Brighton, who remain ninth, endured a nightmare afternoon. Their poor form under Hürzeler continues, with just two wins in the last 11 league matches.
Things worsened late on as Williams smashed in a close-range effort before Jota Silva capitalised on a mistake from Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen to complete the rout in stoppage time.