Nobody expected Nottingham Forest to be sitting in the top half of the Premier League table after five games. But they are, and have done in true Nuno Espírito Santo fashion, so here’s why…
Nottingham Forest were written off by many at the beginning of the season. Tipped for relegation, backed for failure and completely overlooked by fans across the league.
Granted, many fans of the Reds themselves weren’t expecting fireworks from their side, but there was a quiet confidence that Forest could survive the drop with more comfort than their last two safety efforts.
We’re only five games in, but the start has been impeccable, as the Reds sit in the top half, unbeaten, and with their heads held high. There’s no time to get carried away given how quickly things can change in football, but here’s three reasons behind Forest’s dream start.
The Manager
Nuno Espírito Santo was, like his club, written off by many when taking over the job from Steve Cooper. Cooper was hailed as a hero for his role in Forest’s remarkable rise from the bottom of the Championship to the Premier League in the space of a few months.
Given his style is very similar to that of Coopers, the changes seemed minimal last season, although Forest did pick up points on a much more regular basis. The real change has been clear to see this campaign, with Nuno getting a full pre-season, trimming his squad and shaping it into one he trusts.
Forest have blown pretty much every side they’ve played away with their fast-paced counterattacking football, with the Reds having the second most fast breaks of any side in the league so far.
Exhibit A comes from their sensational performance away at Anfield, with Forest getting their first win there since 1969 — a result even the great Brian Clough failed to achieve. Nuno masterminded Forest to that result, packing the midfield in the first half to stifle Liverpool before bringing on their two pacey wide men against Liverpool’s tired fullbacks, with Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi linking up for the winning goal.
They have had a higher xG than all but one of their opponents this season, showing how Nuno’s style and setup compliment his squad perfectly.
Morale
With results comes positivity and belief, but it’s hard to think of many dressing rooms as buzzing as this Forest one at the moment. On social media, you can find countless videos of the squad relaxing and partying together, on and outside of matchdays.
This was perfectly illustrated against Brighton last Sunday, as the Reds were awarded a penalty. Rather than the scenes we saw in the Chelsea side last season, both James Ward-Prowse and Morgan Gibbs-White — two perfectly capable penalty takers — had the ball in hand but were happy to step aside and nominate their striker, Chris Wood, allowing him to notch his 3rd of the season.
That bond has stretched further than on the pitch, with the supporters feeling truly part of the Forest family once again. Much like when they first got promoted, everyone is together, singing new and creative chants about the players and their manager, with real belief that they can take on anyone and win.
Fixtures and Building Momentum
Momentum seems to be the buzzword when talking about a good run of form. So often, sides have a patch of bad form but then are sparked into life with one result. This season, starting well was vital for Forest and their mid-table ambitions, as there’s only so many times you can start behind the eight ball and get in front.
They were handed two home games and a visit to Southampton in their first three, a real chance to get points on the board, which the Reds took. Five points from those three, including an away win, which played a huge factor in Forest’s results away at Brighton and Liverpool.
Forest have struggled no end away from home since their return to the PL, but beating Southampton made it three consecutive away wins including the end of last season, and Forest had no fear in the face of their seemingly superior opposition.
All bubbles must burst at some point, and there’s no time for getting carried away. However, Nottingham Forest’s start has been refreshing and enjoyable, and it certainly gives them the foundation to surprise a few and achieve something special this term.
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