Chris Wood scores double as Nottingham Forest open English Premier League season with win over Brentford

Nottingham Forest's New Zealand striker Chris Wood celebrates after scoring their third goal during the English Premier League football match between Nottingham Forest and Brentford. Photo / AFP

Chris Wood opened his Premier League goal-scoring account five minutes into the new season, finishing with a double in Nottingham Forest’s 3-1 home win over Brentford.

The All Whites striker now has 91 Premier League goals following his opening day brace, with both goals coming before halftime.

Forest debutant Dan Ndyoe also scored in the first half as the home side went into the break wth a commanding 3-0 lead.

Igor Thiago scored from the spot for Brentford in the 78th minute but that’s as far as their comeback attempt got.

“It’s a great start and the team did fantastically well. In the first half we did exactly what we wanted to do to a tee and came in three goals to the good,” Wood said.

“In the second half we did extremely well, we looked to control the game a bit more and nullify any options they had.

“We’re trying to evolve as a team and continue to get better over the past couple of seasons. The crowd didn’t get nervy which is really helpful to us on the pitch and it’s fantastic that we’re all going in the same direction.

“We know we have a good enough side to see out those situations.”

Chris Wood again. 🎶 pic.twitter.com/gqbzsKuH9m

— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) August 17, 2025

Wood now sits 39th on the EPL’s all-time goalscoring list, one behind Mark Viduka who is the leading Australasian.

The Bees came into the 2025/26 campaign having lost their manager, captain and top scorer during the off-season.

Thomas Frank left to take charge of Tottenham, Mbeumo got his dream move to Manchester United and Arsenal secured Christian Norgaard.

Yoane Wissa was also missing from the Brentford squad ahead of an expected move to Newcastle.

“I do have genuine belief but we have to take responsibility for a first half that wasn’t good enough,” said new Brentford boss Keith Andrews.

In other results, Arsenal beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford, while Chelsea and Crystal Palace played out a goal-less draw.

- With AFP