Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 Nottingham Forest
- Published
Fernando Forestieri is Sheffield Wednesday's joint leading scorer with four goals
Sheffield Wednesday extended their unbeaten Championship run to eight matches as Fernando Forestieri's strike sunk Nottingham Forest.
Forest, without a league win in seven, had the best chance of the first half when Jamie Ward's header hit a post.
But Wednesday gradually took charge, and deservedly went ahead through Forestieri's powerful 25-yard shot.
Lucas Joao put a golden chance wide late on as the Owls eased to their fifth league win in seven.
Forest started the game brightly, but Wednesday, buoyed by their midweek League Cup win over Arsenal, edged a cagey first half.
Forest's debutant keeper Dimitar Evtimov blocked Kieran Lee's shot when through one-on-one, and denied Jack Hunt after a fine swivel and shot.
But the visitors went closest when Daniel Pinillos' excellent run and cross found Ward, whose stooping header shaved the post.
The home side took control after the break as a subdued Forest offered little in response.
Atdhe Nuhiu headed over from close range from Barry Bannan's pinpoint cross before Forestieri's brilliant low shot finally beat Evtimov.
Joao miscued from close range late on from Jeremy Helan's pull-back, and Ross Wallace hit the side-netting as Wednesday threatened a second.
Sheffield Wednesday head coach Carlos Carvalhal:
"I think we deserved the victory. We played not so well in the first half, but we improved in the second half.
"My players are enjoying the game and I know what we can do. It is no surprise to me that we are playing so well.
"The way that Fernando (Forestieri) works is the most important thing about him, rather than the goals he scores."
Nottingham Forest manager Dougie Freedman:
"It was disappointing because we felt we shaded the first half and I thought we were comfortable throughout the match.
"We have a lot of injuries, but I refuse to use that as an excuse for the result.
"I have been in this position before as a manager and as a player. You have to persevere with what you're trying to do.
"We are trying very hard to put it right, on and off the field. Things can change very quickly in this division and I honestly think they will change."