Own goal hands Brighton win over struggling Forest

A first-half own goal helped Brighton & Hove Albion stretch their Premier League unbeaten home streak to a club record-extending 12 matches as they beat relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest 1-0 at the Amex Stadium on Sunday.

The Seagulls rise to eighth in the standings with 42 points from 28 matches, while Forest stay at 17th place, three points clear of the relegation zone with 10 games to go.

"It is not a surprise with this group of players, I had no doubt. This was an important three points reaction after three defeats. Very important," Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi said.

"It is important to keep the position in the table. We have the energy to fight to make another great result this season.

"We are fighting with a lot of problems this season, playing many games with a lot of problems but the level of these players in terms of human qualities is very high."

Brighton, who had 64 per cent of the possession, was the better side throughout the first half and got the lead in the 29th minute after defender Andrew Omobamidele accidentally bundled the ball into his own net following a free-kick.

Brighton had come into the game off the back of three defeats across all competitions, including a 4-0 thrashing at AS Roma in the Europa League round of 16 first leg earlier in the week.

Forest, who last won a away game in December against Newcastle United, looked to offer an immediate response when Divock Origi made a run on the right side of the box, but his shot was saved by goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

Forest kept threatening Brighton's advantage after the interval, but ran out of time.

Brighton midfielder Jakub Moder escaped a red card after a bad foul on Neco Williams in the 67th minute. Moder was eventually subbed off.

Forest was left furious after the incident.

"It is a red card. It is week after week I am trying to avoid... but you go back to the dressing room and see us as professionals... week after week," Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo said.

"What is going on? Someone wants to put us down? We received the referees they apologise, they make mistakes. VAR stops the game, it is a clear red card. It is week after week. That is enough.

"We come to a point that we try to understand, we don't judge them, terrible mistakes costing us points. You go into the dressing room and say 'let's keep on going' but it is enough. We want better decisions."

Brighton next host Roma in the Europa League round of 16 second leg on March 14 and Forest visit relegation rivals Luton Town on Saturday.