Nottingham

Steve Sutcliffe
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

Nottingham Forest were hovering above the relegation zone when Nuno Espirito Santo was appointed as head coach 12 months ago.

However, there has been a complete transformation in their fortunes this term and goals from Ola Aina and Anthony Elanga ensured there was a celebratory feel to his one-year anniversary in charge.

A seventh league win in 10 for Forest ensured they will occupy a place in the top four in the Premier League at Christmas for the first time in 30 years and means it is also difficult to ignore their growing challenge to secure European football for the first time since the 1995-96 campaign.

Resolute in defence and incisive on the break, Forest were worthy winners against a Brentford side who came into the contest boasting the best top-flight record at home this term, having won seven and drawn one of their previous eight fixtures.

Morato, Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo all excelled with the hosts also failing to score at the Gtech Community Stadium for the first time this season.

Image source, Getty Images

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has been speaking to BBC Match of the Day following the game: "I think we competed really well. We work very hard, every day, so the boys should be happy and proud.

"I think we have been working well. The beginning was hard. We were able to solve a lot of problems that we had last season.

"It is about this journey together. Every day is important in improving the team.

"The fans are happy, now we go back to Nottingham and prepare for our next game. It is about enjoying the moment. It is a very hard competition. Every game is so difficult and the next one is going to be very tough.

"We are very proud of all the things we have been able to achieve, but we have achieved nothing yet."

On Anthony Elanga: "We need all the players to step in and give us a hand in terms of goals. It is important that everybody has the desire to get in the box and score."

Image source, Getty Images

Nottingham Forest have won as many away games in the Premier League this season (5) as in 2022-23 and 2023-24 combined. Only in 1994-95 (10) have the Reds had more away wins in a Premier League season.

Ola Aina has scored more than one goal in a league season for just the second time in his career, previously doing so with Fulham in the Premier League in 2020-21 (also two goals).

Image source, Getty Images

Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga has been speaking to Premier League Productions following the away win: "Most of the players were on the floor at the end. It's difficult to come here. It wasn't easy to get three points, but it was important to get them, and now we just need to keep going.

"We are full of confidence right now. We lost to Manchester City a few weeks back and that didn't take our confidence away.

"It just shows the camaraderie we have as a team and the relationship we have with each other and the manager.

"The coach is an amazing guy. He is someone who always wants to push me and get the best out of me. He has been able to get his ideas across.

"We can't really relax. We have a game on Boxing Day [at home to Tottenham]. We have to take it game-by-game. It's good, but the season's still very long.

"We are just focusing on the next game now."

On his goal in the second-half: "It is just important to get myself in the box and into areas where I can score. I just want to keep clicking and being consistent in what I do."

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Brentford's performance

What did you make of Nottingham Forest's display?

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies

There are 10 Premier League teams in action on Saturday:

• Aston Villa v Manchester City (12:30)

• Brentford v Nottingham Forest

• Ipswich v Newcastle

• West Ham v Brighton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Crystal Palace v Arsenal (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

All kick-off times 15:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all the action and reaction here

Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against a variety of guests.

For week 17, he takes on Reverend & the Makers singer Jon McClure.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

It is always hard to back against Brentford at home, but Nottingham Forest are a cagey and clever away team.

Forest's record on the road is the third-best in the top flight this season and watching them makes me think they can get something here.

Brentford have played in midweek, losing to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup, and I wonder if that might affect them.

I am not saying the Bees' bubble will burst but Forest are always dangerous, so I am going with another draw.

McClure's prediction: 2-2

I can see goals in this one. Brentford manager Thomas Frank deserves a shot at a big club because he is super-good, and they have got a bunch of players who I think are very under-rated.

Equally, though, Forest are flying and Chris Wood is having a brilliant season. He gives me hope as a big man. If a big lump like him can knock them in then maybe I can too.

Read the full predictions and have your say

Image source, Getty Images

Nuno Espirito Santo says the tough moments at the club during his first 12 months at Nottingham Forest have only made his side stronger.

"We started in a very tough situation but I think we were able to do well and face so many obstacles that we had," he told BBC Radio Nottingham. "Always with the sense of togetherness, trying to be together and overcome this.

"That helped us be more united and more resilient, knowing that tough moments only makes us stronger but now is good and we don't even remember anymore.

"I always insisted that the best thing we did - and we are taking advantage now - was to retain the main core of the squad.

"When the last match of the season [against Burnley] was over, we had a conversation. Even though we faced so many problems, we did it without conflict, realising that everybody should and must help.

"That was the beginning of something we now want to improve on and grow. The players are different now."

Listen to the full BBC Radio Nottingham interview on BBC Sounds