Nottingham Forest confirmed their spot as a Premier League club for next season courtesy of a 2-1 victory over Burnley in Sunday afternoon's clash at Turf Moor.
The visitors entered the final matchday in 17th spot on 29 points, three points ahead of 18th-placed Luton Town and with a vastly superior goal difference, so it was always difficult to imagine a situation where they could potentially have some serious relegation fears.
As it transpired, it proved to be a comfortable afternoon for Nuno Espirito Santo's side, with a Wood double handing them all three points against an already-relegated Burnley outfit.
Luton ultimately lost 4-2 at home to Fulham, though, so even a defeat would have seen Forest confirm their Premier League status for the 2024-25 campaign.
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Wood caps a strong season with a brace
Forest made the breakthrough in just the second minute of the contest at Turf Moor, with Wood converting a dangerous cross from Anthony Elanga into the back of the net.
Wood then added a second for the visitors in the 14th minute, with the striker in the right place at the right time to turn a strike from Ryan Yates into the bottom corner.
The 32-year-old has ended the 2023-24 Premier League campaign with 14 goals in the competition, and Forest will be determined to keep hold of him this summer.
Forest only had 29% of the possession in the opening half of action, but they scored with their only two attempts on target, while Burnley had 10 shots without managing to test the away side's goalkeeper Matz Sels.
Three points to round off the season 😍 pic.twitter.com/5Tinwh6yZX
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) May 19, 2024
Forest secure their Premier League status
Burnley halved the deficit in the 72nd minute of the match through Josh Cullen, with the midfielder's effort from the edge of the box taking a deflection before finding the back of the net.
Forest would have been aware that Luton were losing at home to Fulham, though, so there were no real nerves from the visitors in the period that followed.
Burnley continued to commit players forward, and they actually managed 20 shots in their final match of the season, but a lack of quality in the final third once again proved to be their problem.
The Clarets have been relegated with a record of five wins, nine draws and 24 defeats from their 38 matches, finishing eight points ahead of basement side Sheffield United and two points behind 18th-placed Luton. Forest, meanwhile, ultimately finished six points above the bottom three.
Matt Law
