How Nottingham Forest, this storied old club, had waited for a moment like this, as they edged out West Ham to savour their first Premier League win in 23 years. As the public address announcer christened the turnstiles at the City Ground open an hour and a half before kick-off, his voice cracking a little as he welcomed Forest supporters into this throbbing stadium for a top-flight game once more, it offered a reminder of the sense of occasion.
An absorbing and fiercely-contested match only ramped up the electric atmosphere, the prematch palpable. Both teams saw goals disallowed and Declan Rice had a poor second-half penalty saved by Dean Henderson as Taiwo Awoniyi’s first Premier League goal ultimately proved the difference. West Ham could count themselves unfortunate given they also twice hit the woodwork.
