In a tight opening half, Forest found a way through Brentford through their marauding wing-backs, with Neco Williams teeing up Ola Aina to give his side the lead.
Brentford would dominate possession in the second half, but Anthony Elanga produced a moment of magic to add the second goal for Forest that ultimately secured all three points.
Matz Sels – 8
Thanks to the imperious performances of the three defenders in front of him, Sels wasn’t called into action much but when he was needed, the Belgian produced a remarkable save.
Sels tipped a powerful strike by Kristoffer Ajer over the bar from four yards out, preserving Forest’s two-goal lead at a crucial time.
Morato – 7
Morato looked solid in his first league start for Forest. Murillo and Milenkovic will surely continue as Forest’s go-to pair, but Morato provides a more than capable backup.
Nikola Milenkovic – 7
Milenkovic was his usual dominant self in the air, heading away Brentford’s many second-half crosses without having the opportunity to attack any real set pieces at the other end.
Murillo – 10
Murillo was an injury doubt for the Brentford game but was able to start from the off to tremendous effect. His distribution was flawless which was particularly crucial given the five at the back shape that Espirito Santo reverted to.
In the defence, he met almost every Brentford delivery with aggression and efficiency, earning his side a superb clean sheet.
Neco Williams – 7
Starting once more in place of Alex Moreno but in a more advanced wing-back role, Williams showed his attacking value by expertly picking out Aina for his goal.
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