Coventry secured their first Premier League victory since 2001 with a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest on Saturday, courtesy of Jay Dasilva's second-half strike and a contentious VAR decision that denied Forest a late equaliser.

Dasilva broke the deadlock in the 55th minute, latching onto a precise long ball from goalkeeper Carl Rushworth before controlling with one touch and firing calmly past Matz Sels. It was Dasilva's first goal in 127 appearances for the club — and the Sky Blues' first league goal of the season.

Forest denied by VAR in the 86th minute

Forest substitute Igor Jesus appeared to equalise in the 86th minute, but referee Jarred Gillett was directed to the pitchside monitor and ultimately ruled the effort out, ruling that Jesus had fouled Coventry midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi before finishing from close range.

It was the second time this season Forest have had a goal disallowed at the City Ground, following Neco Williams' chalked-off effort in a 0-0 draw against Tottenham.

Coventry also required a brilliant goalline clearance from Bobby Thomas in the 76th minute to keep Forest at bay — Thomas hooking away a chipped attempt from Jesus that had looked destined for the net.

A historic but costly night at the City Ground

Forest dominated possession and registered 14 attempts in the first half alone — contributing to a remarkable total of 20 first-half shots between both sides, the most in a Premier League half without a goal since Brentford faced Liverpool in January 2025. Yet Frank Lampard's Coventry absorbed the pressure and punished the hosts on the counter.

The result lifts Coventry off the bottom of the table, though they remain inside the relegation zone on goal difference. For Forest manager Oliver Glasner, the defeat is a sobering one — his side are now without a goal or a win at home in any competition this season, sitting 12th in the table.