Brentford profit from two Milenkovic deflections in 100th Premier League game at the ground

Brentford beat Nottingham Forest at the ground’s 100th Premier League match on 31 October 2026, with both of Brentford’s goals arriving after heavy deflections off Nikola Milenkovic; Forest outshot Brentford 15-6.

Nottingham Forest’s struggles in front of goal continued, with no Premier League side having scored fewer goals this season and the club sitting third-bottom despite being third in Opta’s expected goals table. The day also extended Forest’s poor record on Halloween fixtures to six successive defeats and highlighted a persistent gap between their underlying numbers and actual results.

Liam Delap’s form was a conspicuous part of Forest’s problems: the 23-year-old summer signing from Chelsea for £50m has scored only once this season and was substituted 20 minutes into the second half after recording three shots, none on target. Ryan Yates, introduced at half-time, headed a presentable chance over, while Morgan Gibbs-White’s three efforts also failed to trouble the target.

Forest’s clearest first-half opportunity was James McAtee’s curling attempt, which was saved by Caoimhín Kelleher, and Mathias Jensen struck the bar from a free-kick. Despite enjoying significant territorial advantage in the second half, Forest’s attacking play often looked hurried and frequently ended with fouls or collisions in the box that relieved pressure.

The opening goal followed a defensive error when Murillo misjudged a through-ball that released Dango Ouattara; Ouattara’s cross then looped off Milenkovic and over Matz Sels. Only one of Brentford’s goals was later recorded as an own goal, but both strikes arrived after heavy deflections off Milenkovic.

Brentford’s second, which effectively settled the match with 14 minutes remaining, began when Jaidon Anthony broke down the right and delivered a low cross for Igor Thiago; his finish deflected in off Milenkovic and hit the underside of the bar. Before this victory, Brentford had not won since the 3-0 win over Chelsea before the last international break and had drawn 12 of their previous 18 Premier League games.

Oliver Glasner’s record as Forest manager remains solid on the evidence of the performance, but Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’s reputation for impatience was cited as a looming factor. Brentford, meanwhile, strengthened their position in the table and retain a very good chance of qualifying for European competition for the first time.