Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi scored two well-taken goals to help the Reds defeat Southampton 4-3 in the Premier League, Monday night football.

In a game that Forest needed to win to get out of the bottom three, Awoniyi was trusted to lead the lines and he delivered.

His first goal came in the 18th minute when Brennan Johnson delivered a fine cross, which the Nigerian executed powerfully to put his side ahead.

His second goal soon followed and this time it was a goal of sheer quality from the Forward.

Southampton defenders struggled to clear their lines and Awoniyi was able to pounce on a loose ball which he instinctively volleyed past McCarthy.

The visitors pulled one back through Carlos Alcaraz, but Morgan Gibbs White converted from the spot to once again restore Forest’s two-goal cushion just before the break.

The second half started with some intensity and Lyanco returned Southampton to within one, but once again Forest responded through Danilo after he was released by Gibbs White.

In the 90th minute, Forest thought they had gotten a fifth but Felipe’s goal was disallowed for offside before James Ward-Prowse scored very late from the spot for the Saints in what was just a consolation.

Paul Onuachu started from the bench and came in after 76 minutes but could not do enough to at least force a draw.