Nottingham Forest Aiming High After Breaking Expectations

Nottingham Forest overcame one of their most tumultuous seasons to earn their highest Premier League rank in 26 years. Forest are third in the Premier League after three straight wins for the first time since 1999 before of Sunday’s match with Newcastle. Dave Bassett’s squad hasn’t risen thus high in the Premier League since August 1998, when a 2-1 win against Southampton put them second. Nuno Espirito Santo’s team defeated Liverpool, the league leaders, and sit above Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United.

The two-time European Cup champions may not be ready to relive Brian Clough’s glory. Forest’s high position is encouraging after last season’s relegation struggle. Forest was in danger of slipping into the Championship after a Premier League profit and sustainability violation cost them four points in March.

After a controversial loss at Everton in April, the club’s social media account accused VAR official Stuart Attwell of favoring relegation rivals Luton, causing City Ground worry. Forest escaped the plummet and capitalized on their respite.

New Zealand striker Chris Wood has helped Forest climb the league. Eight of Forest’s 14 Premier League goals this season have come from the 32-year-old, who was named Premier League player of the month for October.

Since joining from Newcastle permanently in June 2023, Wood has scored 22 goals in 30 league starts. Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels has the joint-most clean-sheets in the top league this season.

Nikola Milenkovic’s pre-season transfer from Fiorentina has stabilized Forest’s defense with Brazilian Murillo at centre-back.

Nuno has led Forest to success, disproving naysayers who doubted his December replacement for Steve Cooper. He was fired from Tottenham in 2021 after 17 games, and his four-year spell at Wolves ended in disappointment. The diligent Portuguese coach returned to the Premier League after winning the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ittihad and was smartly appointed.

Nuno has managed Forest’s turbulent and demanding owner Evangelos Marinakis, who is serving a five-game ban for spitting at officials after a September loss to Fulham. The imminent arrival of Edu, who left Arsenal’s sporting directorship last week to lead Marinakis’ collection of teams, including Olympiacos, illustrates that desire.

Nuno wants Forest to be competitive, but the City Ground faithful want to play in Europe for the first time since 1995-96. Forest’s triumph at Anfield and draw against Chelsea show they can compete with the big boys. However, travels to Arsenal, Manchester City, and Manchester United, as well as home games against Aston Villa and Tottenham, will test their resurgence before the new year.