3-2！ The Premier League dark horse has won 7 and drawn 1 in the last 8 rounds, consolidating the top 3+ points and drawing the Gunners to return to the Champions League after 44 years

In a key match in the 22nd round of the English Premier League that ended in the early morning of January 20, Beijing time, the "big dark horse" Nottingham Forest continued its excellent performance this season, and they defeated the bottom team Southampton 3-2 at home to consolidate the top 3 positions in the standings.

Just 11 minutes into the game, Nottingham Forest Lightning took the lead when White broke the deadlock with a long-range shot from outside the box by Anderson to give Forest a 1-0 lead.

In the 28th minute, Hudson-Odoi scored with a kick from the top of the arc of the penalty area, and Forest extended their advantage to 2-0.

In the 41st minute, Eena provided the assist with a pinpoint cross and Chris Wood headed home to give Forest a 3-0 lead into the break.

Yibian fought again, and the Forest team slackened. Southampton relied on two goals from Bednarek and Onuachu to close the score to 2-3, but Forest managed to hold on until the end.

After winning this campaign, Nottingham Forest is unbeaten in 9 games in all competitions (8 wins and 1 draw), including 8 rounds of unbeaten in the league, with a record of 7 wins and 1 draw, defeating old powerhouses including Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Villa, etc., and the only draw was a draw at home to leaders Liverpool.

At present, after 22 rounds, Nottingham Forest has 44 points, which is equal with Arsenal, and is 6 points away from Liverpool at the top with one more game. Forest have left Newcastle in fourth place six points behind them, and the top three positions are quite secure.

Although it will be difficult for Forest to compete for the Premier League title this season, the hope of returning to the Champions League is growing. Nottingham Forest, England's oldest giant, defended the Champions League (1978/79, 1979/80) but after a 44-year absence from the first round of the 1980/81 season, they are now very likely to return next season.