A crucial second-half header from Brazilian forward Igor Jesus secured a vital 1-0 Premier League victory for Nottingham Forest at the Molineux, deepening the crisis for Wolverhampton Wanderers who slumped to an eighth consecutive defeat.
Dire First Half Sparked by VAR Controversy
The match on Wednesday, 3rd December 2025, was desperately lacking in quality for long periods. The first half's only significant moment arrived in the 37th minute and was mired in controversy. Jesus believed he had opened his league account for Forest, powering a free header from an Omari Hutchinson corner into the net.
The goal was eventually disallowed for offside after a protracted VAR review lasting five minutes and 33 seconds. Despite Dan Ndoye clearly obstructing Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone from an offside position, the decision from VAR official Rob Jones and referee Tim Robinson took an inordinate amount of time, much to the frustration of all involved. That incident was the sole talking point of a half where neither side registered a shot on target.
Forest Pressure Tells as Jesus Strikes
Wolves, who have now failed to score in five league matches, showed a brief flicker after the break. Jhon Arias flashed a header wide from a Jackson Tchatchoua cross. However, it was Forest who began to apply consistent pressure. Neco Williams forced a fine save from Johnstone with a 20-yard free-kick, and the keeper also palmed away an effort from the lively Hutchinson.
The home crowd endured another lengthy VAR check for a potential Forest penalty before the visitors finally made their dominance count in the 72nd minute. The decisive goal came from the same combination as the disallowed effort. Hutchinson created space on the right and delivered a perfect cross, which Jesus nodded into an empty net after Johnstone misjudged his run, securing his first Premier League goal for the club.
Consequences for the Premier League Table
This result has significant ramifications at both ends of the table. For Sean Dyche's Forest, this was the perfect response after a weekend loss to Brighton. It represents a third win in four league games, keeping the team firmly on an upward trajectory in the standings.
For Wolves, the outlook is increasingly bleak. Under new manager Rob Edwards, performances may have improved, but a fundamental lack of quality in both penalty areas persists. The club remains winless after 14 games and appears to be in an irreversible slide towards the Championship. With daunting fixtures against Manchester United and Arsenal on the horizon, the threat of challenging Derby County's record-low Premier League points total of 11 is becoming more real. Their first shot on target in this match did not arrive until the first minute of stoppage time, a tame effort from Marshall Munetsi straight at Matz Sels, summing up their current plight.
