Sunderland 0-5 Nottingham Forest result - Chris Wood and Elliot Anderson amongst scorers as five-star visitors move eight points clear of drop zone

Chris Wood and Elliot Anderson were on target as Nottingham Forest moved eight points clear of the drop zone with a rampant 5-0 victory at Sunderland.

Vitor Pereira’s men grabbed the lead on 17 minutes when Igor Jesus’ header was deflected into his own net by Trai Hume.

Wood then bagged his first goal since October to punish an error by goalkeeper Robin Roefs before Morgan Gibbs-White continued his fine form with a crisp third after more lacklustre defending.

It didn’t stop there as Jesus volleyed in a lovely fourth on 37 minutes to leave The Black Cats stunned and the away fans in dreamland.

Regis le Bris’ side saw Dan Ballard’s second-half header ruled out following a VAR intervention and they had salt rubbed in their wounds in stoppage time when former Newcastle midfielder, Anderson added a fifth.

The result moves 16th-placed Forest eight points clear of the relegation places having played a game more than rivals West Ham and Tottenham.

Sunderland remain 11th but could drop down the table depending on results across the rest of the weekend.

Next up, Forest host Aston Villa in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League semi final on Thursday night prior to visiting Chelsea the following Monday.

Sunderland travel to already-relegated Wolves a week on Saturday.

”Potentially (the result that inspires them to safety). I think it sends a message out to West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur,” said former Forest defender Michael Dawson on Sky Sports.

”I said before the game, Friday night gives you an opportunity to go eight points clear of Spurs. And what a way to do it.

”Look, the first 15 minutes, Sunderland came out of the blocks but gifted an opportunity and wow did they (Forest) pounce on it.

”From the 17th minute they get the own goal and then to go out and get five, what a night for Nottingham Forest.”

”This is the result of the season,” adds Jamie Redknapp. ”An unbelievable result."

He continued: "It’s not enough just yet I would say, but just to takes the pressure off. If they can just get one more win they would be guaranteed (to stay up).”

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Sunderland 0-5 Nottingham Forest.

That seals a five-star performance!

Anderson drills beyond Roefs after Sunderland again failed to clear their lines, allowing Awoniyi to tee up the midfielder.

Forest and Sels are staying focused. They want that clean sheet!

Seven minutes added.

Taiwo Awoniyi on for Wood.

Le Fe unleashes a thumping shot from just outside the area but Sels sticks out a big hand to tip it over the crossbar.

Isidor spins neatly and rifles in a low 20-yard strike that Sels does well to field down to his right.

Vitor Pereira's side will now move on to eight matches unbeaten (W5, D3), their longest run since a nine-game sequence between December 2024 and January 2025.

It's been a low-key second half and Forest are now just moments away from what could well be a hugely significant result in the battle to beat the drop.

There's huge pressure on Spurs and West Ham to respond over the weekend to avoid it coming down to a two-way battle to avoid joining Burnley and Wolves in dropping down to the Championship.

Alderete lets fly with a first-time 30-yarder that rises harmlessly into the crowd.

Yates is the latest name to go into the book as the referee appears to go a bit card crazy.

Xhaka is urged to shoot by the crowd and is fuming with himself as he sizzles wide from 25 yards out.

The midfielder wants a corner and vents his irritation at the official, who books him!

Forest knock the ball about leaving the hosts to chase shadows.

The visiting support cheer every single pass of a total of 20 before they eventually relinquish possession.

Williams is late trying to reach Anderson's poor pass and ends up catching Reinildo.

Yates and Netz on.

Jesus and Hutchinson off.

Isidor on for Diarra.