Morgan Gibbs-White is currently the hottest property in the Premier League, with a stunning run of form that has seen him score more goals than any other player in 2026. The Nottingham Forest playmaker has netted double figures since the turn of the year, including seven since March — three more than any rival — and his hat-tricks against Burnley and Sunderland have been the catalyst for Forest's surge away from the relegation zone.
What's Changed for Gibbs-White?
After a dip in form under Ange Postecoglou and a frustrating spell under Sean Dyche, Gibbs-White has been revitalised by Vitor Pereira. The key tactical shift came at half-time against Burnley, when Pereira moved Gibbs-White from a wide role into a central 'pocket' position, with Igor Jesus replacing Dilane Bakwa and Omari Hutchinson providing width on the opposite flank. This allowed Gibbs-White to drift inside, find space, and make his trademark driving runs — more of which he's made than under any Forest manager since his 2022 arrival.
Pereira explained: "When I told him he must play in the pocket when attacking but defend on the side, it was not a problem for him. He understands the game." Gibbs-White's xG under Pereira is at an all-time high, more than double what it was under Steve Cooper, proving his goal glut is no fluke.
The Unsung Hero: Ibrahim Sangare
Gibbs-White's form has been unlocked by Ibrahim Sangare's return from the Africa Cup of Nations. The midfielder has been a defensive colossus: Forest have won just one of 10 league games without him in the starting line-up, but have 34 points from 24 matches with him. Sangare's presence provides the structure that allows Gibbs-White to flourish.
Other Stories: Kinsky's Redemption & Soucek's Heroics
Elsewhere, Tottenham's Antonin Kinsky made a crucial stoppage-time save to secure Spurs' first win of 2026, redeeming himself after a nightmare Champions League display at Atletico Madrid. West Ham's Tomas Soucek scored and made a goal-line clearance in a 2-1 win over Everton, taking his Premier League tally for the club to 41 — a testament to his remarkable spatial awareness.
- Gibbs-White's form: Most Premier League goals in 2026 (10+), including seven since March.
- Tactical tweak: Moved to a 'pocket' role at half-time vs Burnley, unlocking his driving runs.
- Sangare factor: Forest win rate plummets without the midfielder in the starting XI.
- Kinsky's redemption: Match-winning save at Wolves after Champions League humiliation.
- Soucek's consistency: 41 PL goals for West Ham; only 11 players have more for their current club.
Goals: 10+ in 2026 | xG: All-time high (double Cooper era) | Driving runs: Most per 90 since 2022 | Team impact: Forest clear of relegation
Source: Sky Sports - The Debrief
