Nottingham Forest 1-1 Bournemouth AFC | Premier League | May 24, 2026

The City Ground hosted a closely fought contest as Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth played out a 1-1 draw on the final day of the Premier League season. Both sides had already secured their top-flight safety, allowing for an open and entertaining match with little fear of relegation.

Match Overview

Forest started with intensity, pressing high and forcing Bournemouth into errors. The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute. A floated cross from Neco Williams was headed back across goal by Taiwo Awoniyi, and Morgan Gibbs-White was on hand to volley home from six yards. It was Gibbs-White’s ninth goal of the season, a personal best.

Bournemouth responded well. The Cherries, known for their fluid passing under Andoni Iraola, began to dominate possession. Their equaliser arrived in the 56th minute when Dominic Solanke outmuscled a defender and fired a low shot past Matt Turner. Solanke’s goal took his tally for the campaign to 15, a fine return for the striker.

The final half-hour saw chances at both ends. Forest substitute Callum Hudson-Odoi hit the post, while Bournemouth’s Marcus Tavernier forced a sharp save from Turner. The draw was a fair outcome.

Key Moments

• 23' Goal Forest: Morgan Gibbs-White finishes after Awoniyi’s header.
• 56' Goal Bournemouth: Dominic Solanke powers home after a neat turn.
• 78' Woodwork: Hudson-Odoi’s curling effort clips the outside of the post.
• 82' Save: Matt Turner denies Tavernier with a strong hand.

Standings Impact

Forest ended the season in 15th place with 42 points, a solid mid-table finish after a years of struggle. Bournemouth climbed to 10th with 48 points, their best finish since returning to the top flight. Both clubs will view the campaign as a success.

Season Reflection

For Nottingham Forest, the highlight was their resilience at home, where they lost only five times all season. Bournemouth’s strength in depth showed, with 15 different goalscorers in the league. As the summer transfer window looms, both teams will look to build on their progress.