Morgan Gibbs-White scores from the penalty spot as Forest continues to dream of another miracle

Morgan Gibbs-White celebrates his team's third goal with teammates. Photo: Getty Images/Gareth Copley Nottm Forest vs Brighton 2022-2023 PL synopsis

I Believe in Miracles is the title of a brilliant documentary celebrating Nottingham Forest's glory days, and supporters keep dreaming of a sequel.

Survival will never come close to those magical moments under Brian Clough, but Forest have climbed out of the bottom three to bring another twist to this season's thrilling relegation battle.

Steve Cooper's team seemed to be heading for the championship, but this first 12-match victory will give new momentum to their season.

There has been so much attention paid to the 30 signings made this season, so it was perhaps fitting that Danilo, a January recruit from Palmeiras, and Morgan Gibbs-White's record £28m signing made a decisive contribution.

The only disappointment for Cooper was the refusal of Wales international Neko Williams, who was taken to hospital with a serious facial injury. Despite this addition to Forest's long list of injuries, this result could prove to be a turning point. Cooper said:

“We control our destiny. We have not achieved anything yet and must take care of ourselves. Let's try to improve it again in Brentford on Saturday and that's the only thing we're thinking about right now.»

Brighton has had a terrible week and this punitive experience comes three days after the agonizing defeat to Manchester United in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final. Manager Roberto De Zerbi called it «the most important game» of Brighton's season and it was only their third league defeat of the year.

Brighton's campaign could still have a memorable ending and De Zerby was determined to stay positive. “This is a difficult period for us because we are not used to playing three games a week, but we have to believe,” he said.

“We must fight to reach our goal. A lot of coaches cry after losing, but I'm different.» Brighton got off to a terrible start after a reckless tackle by defender Purvis Estupinan against Williams, but a Brennan Johnson penalty was saved by Jason Steele.

De Zerbi's gifted technicians reacted and seized control of the game with a breakthrough in the 38th minute thanks to a goal from Facundo Buonanotte.

Forest equalized at halftime when Renan Lodi fired a cross from Pascal Gross to beat Steele at the near post. Danilo scored a beautiful second goal after being knocked out by Taiwo Avoni and he advanced into the box before kicking into the corner. Forest took the points when Gibbs-White hit from a spot after being beaten by Lewis Dunk in the area.