'Nobody enjoys losing but it keeps everything in perspective'published at 16:36 12 November
16:36 12 November
Pat Riddell Fan writer
Sometimes a reality check is required.
Nobody enjoys losing but it keeps everything in perspective. If Nottingham Forest had beaten Newcastle United on Sunday they would have been just a point behind Manchester City and firmly in third position.
Going into the international break, that would have been dreamland for Forest supporters. After all, we are allowed to dream. But maybe a check on our ambitions keeps Nuno Espirito Santo's squad focused on the next run of games.
With the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Aston Villa coming up, the reality of this season will be laid bare by Christmas. Nothing is impossible, although you only have to look back a few months to see how far we have come.
Battling relegation for two seasons in a row, scraping by to get to the final games, seems a long time ago. But the same lessons apply - you can learn a lot from defeat, sometimes more than victory. The next two weeks are a chance for reflection on the past few months, as well as plans for the future.
The evident togetherness, unity and understanding in the squad has got us so far, and setbacks will always happen. Analysing how Eddie Howe's team picked us apart in the second half will prove a valuable learning.
The solidity in defence has served us well, as has our pressing and counter-attacking.
However, while we will have our off days, there is no doubt Nuno is looking to further evolve our tactics so that we can be on a more equal footing in games against the elite clubs we aim to emulate.
As it stands, Forest remain third - albeit joint-third alongside Chelsea, Arsenal and Brighton. Nobody - absolutely nobody - predicted that after 11 games. So perhaps the reality check is as much for everybody else as it is for Forest.
'No knee-jerk conclusions'published at 07:28 12 November
07:28 12 November
BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions.
Gav asked: Has Nottingham Forest's bubble burst? They were totally outclassed in every department by Newcastle on Sunday.
Phil answered: No.One defeat to a good side playing well, even at home, does not mean a bubble has burst.
Nottingham Forest have had the sort of start to the season that has probably wildly exceeded even their own expectations.
There will be reality checks along the road but no way will I be jumping to the sort of knee-jerk conclusions suggesting a bubble has burst after one loss.
John: Tough to take but a fair result. All the things that came off last week didn't today. No lack of effort or commitment - things just didn't go for us against a strong team with a good manager who'd worked us out. Like Nuno said, we go again next time.
Andy: Poor in the final third against a physical Newcastle. That was the difference. Neither team had lots of chances - Newcastle just took theirs.
Ken: Thought we looked leggy from the off. Beaten by the better side, but borne from our inability to create anything at all and their ability to create and take chances. Eddie Howe worked his magic at half-time and we had no answer to it. Never mind, it has shown us what is required to stay in that top six and we have a break now to recharge.
Newcastle fans
Kevin: Even at 1-0 down we were still the better side. Composed on the ball and on the front foot. It’s taken a while but Eddie has now found the winning combination and balance in the midfield area. Harvey Barnes, super sub!
Bluey: Not the best first half from us but dug in. Ryan Yates for them should have been off. I counted at least three yellows, maybe four for his play. The high line worries me as we are always open to getting caught on the break. Big Dan Burn just hasn't got the pace to defend counter attacks. Joelinton is some boy - what a transformed player he is.
Sandra: Brilliant second-half display after a gritty first. Shame Anthony Gordon and Barnes can’t start together, however if Harvey keeps making supersub appearances and scoring goals well, why not. Brilliant game to watch.