Nottingham Forest

Steve Sutcliffe
BBC Sport journalist

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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.

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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."

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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).

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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

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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

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Since their return to the top-flight in 2022, Nottingham Forest have won just one of their 16 away league games against London sides drawing four and losing 11, beating Chelsea 1-0 in September 2023.

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The latest episode of BBC Radio Nottingham's Shut Up And Show More Football podcast reflects on the rise of Nottingham Forest during Nuno Espirito Santo's first year in charge of the Premier League club.

Reporter Colin Fray said: "In the first half of his year [in charge], there was so much for him to contend with.

"He was walking into a new squad and any manager will tell you that's not straightforward in the middle of a season, but then to have the points deduction thing hanging over them and eventually coming to bite them was difficult.

"I think that led to a lot of stress, so the relief when they stayed up was big.

"What you've started to see this year is the real Nuno. He's far more relaxed and far more at home.

"Pre-season was massive to really work his squad hard so they could hit the ground running at the start of the season.

"What you're seeing now is a Nuno without that huge pressure of potential relegation because of a points deduction hanging over them, with the uncertainty.

"You're seeing a Nuno who feels at home and relaxed, and you're seeing a Nuno team with an identity of fighting for every ball, going for the game, winning their battles."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Nottingham Forest, like every Premier League club, face a hectic festive fixture schedule.

But it has not stopped manager Nuno Espirito Santo and a number of his players from getting involved in some of the Christmas cheer – joining Santa and a number of youngsters at a party at the City Ground.

Reds defender Harry Toffolo spoke to BBC East Midlands Today about the importance of getting involved with the community at this time of year.

And with three matches in eight days, starting with a trip to Brentford on Saturday, Toffolo says the East Midlands club are relishing what's to come on the pitch after they moved up to fourth in the table with victory against Aston Villa last week.

"We fancy our chances against anyone at the minute," he said.

A new episode of Shut Up And Show More Football has landed.

David Jackson and Colin Fray discuss the first 12 months of Nuno Espírito Santo as head coach.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Nat Hayward
BBC Sport journalist

Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game at Brentford (15:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Nuno said midfielder Danilo is "closer to working with us" but Ibrahima Sangare "has not joined the group yet". The boss insisted Forest "need them as soon as possible".

• He added there are other "issues" with fitness in the squad: "We have a lot of things to assess and problems we had in the previous game. We still have tomorrow to assess the players and then go to London."

• On reaching a year in charge at Forest: "Time flies. Feeling good. It started difficult but it is good. I am enjoying it. You never know what is going to happen. Last season, there were a lot of things to start to solve. We did well and now is the beginning of something we want to do together."

• Does he allow himself to enjoy the good moments? "Of course. We enjoy working - we enjoy competing. This is what really pushes us. After the game, you immediately start thinking about the next one and that is enjoyable. Life is not just smiles. The tough moments are also important to be there."

• He views last weekend's win over Aston Villa as significant: "Nights like last week make it all worth it because the fans are happy and singing even when the match is over. This is what we work for."

• On the challenge posed by the Bees: "Very good team, very strong at home and doing very well. Defensively we have to be really good, solid and compact. Set-pieces, throw ins... they have many ways to create danger and opportunities. They can achieve goals in the first minute so we have to start concentrated. We need to play our game and cause them problems too."

Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Pat Riddell
Fan writer

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Never say die is a fairly new thing on Trentside - this century at least.

Aside from a few play-off seasons in both League One and the Championship - all over a decade ago - Nottingham Forest were much more likely to roll over than stand up and fight.

The seeds of this current mentality were planted a few years ago. Sabri Lamouchi's 15 months in charge - ultimately curtailed by a disastrous collapse at the end of the 2019-20 season - heralded a sense of belief as the Reds sought to reverse their second-tier status.

A 2-0 win over Leeds United in February 2020 might have been the high of that season, and Chris Hughton's dour reign that followed didn't exactly keep the spirit alive. But Steve Cooper's arrival tapped into a growing sense that something could - should - happen at the City Ground.

Two last-gasp goals from Lyle Taylor against Bristol City in October 2021, in a 2-1 win at Ashton Gate, was the point it really felt like that could be our season. A feeling of togetherness, determination and belief ran through that promotion year - something Forest just have not been used to.

The stakes are very different now, but Saturday's 2-1 win over Aston Villa was a similar moment. Two last-gasp goals proved that this team do not know when they are beaten, do not doubt their ability and, importantly, maintain their composure and concentration until the very end.

Nuno Espirito Santo rightly urged us to "enjoy it together" while focusing on the next game. But a never-say-die spirit already has supporters dreaming of what could be.

To still be in the top four a week before Christmas is beyond anyone's expectations. We can only wait to see what 2025 brings, in the perhaps timely 50th anniversary of Brian Clough's arrival.

Find more from Pat Riddell at The Famous Club, external

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We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa.

Here are some of your comments:

Forest fans:

Stu: Forest rode their luck with the penalty shout and the tackle on Matty Cash but at the end of the day we wanted it more and probably deserved it overall. Villa are not playing their best football but were still competitive to the end and after an extra game and travelling in mid-week I think they can be proud of the performance.

Marcus: We proved we're not just a flash in the pan. After a marginal disallowed goal, we dug deep and came of age. Respect to Villa, got an edge-of-your-seat game.

Charlie: Just like the old music halls, it's not over until the fat lady sings. Despite being down to a very good Villa goal and the wrong side of a close VAR call, the whole team battled on to the very end to the joy of a rocking City Ground. The Reds took some knocks - Ryan Yates and Murrillo - but the team fought on with a man-of-the-match performance from Elliot Anderson who is cementing his position with every game. Good to see the attacking confidence of Nuno Espirito Santo, as he brought on Anthony Elanga who vindicated his manager's substitution.

Jay: Really encouraging win. Shows a new character to Forest too. The last time we scored a late winner was early last season against Sheffield United, and you'd have to go back to our promotion season to find a comeback as late as the one we just witnessed. If we want to keep hopes of a European place alive, we need teams to constantly fear a Forest ascendancy. Momentum, momentum, momentum!

Villa fans:

Cassie: Fair play to Forest, they wanted the ball more than Villa, wanted to win the game and showed more determination and passion. Why do Villa players sit back after they go one goal up? Emery needs to bring in two or three players in January, and yes, he has to let some players leave the club. We are so inconsistent - another Champions League hangover.

Jack: Villa played terribly towards the end. A couple of terrible decisions ended up losing us the game, when we should have had a win, albeit a poor win. Jhon Duran is making a clear case ahead of Ollie Watkins. It was a great save from Emi Martinez but then a mistake later on cost us.

Marty: Usual lacklustre display after a European expedition. Plus the truncated play from defence is fast becoming outdated (you watch Chelsea/Liverpool play out) and puts too much pressure on our midfield with zero threat in attack. Overall we're in a happy place but some January signings are going to be key. And by the way, well done Forest!

Carlos: Poor game management again as Villa failed to at least keep a point for a draw. There were two really big decisions against us with a clear pull on Rogers for a penalty and a clear foul by Anderson on Cash leading to their winner. Strange substitutions too. Cash was shattered and should have come off, whereas Boubacar Kamara was outstanding and holding it all together.

Chris Wise
BBC Radio 5 Live commentator

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When Chris Wood's late goal was disallowed against Aston Villa on Saturday evening, I think most thought it was going to be 'one of those nights' for Nottingham Forest.

But what happened after that is perhaps proof of why Forest are turning into one of the stories of this Premier League season. The determination to fight through that adversity and win the game was incredible. Nuno Espirito Santo has clearly cultivated a spirit in the Forest camp, and some of their new arrivals are having a significant impact.

Even aside from his latest goal, Nikola Milenkovic is increasingly looking like such a brilliant piece of business. And even though Forest spent a fair bit more on Elliot Anderson, he's had a gigantic impact on the team. The hunger to win the ball back to provide Anthony Elanga's winner epitomised both his and Forest's season.

They keep going - I guess the question now is, just how far can Forest go?

Highlights and analysis from Saturday's five Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

Listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Liverpool 2-2 Fulham

• Nottingham Forest 2-1 Aston Villa

Ben Collins
BBC Sport journalist

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Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa are two of the six English clubs to be crowned European champions.

Villa have earned a long-awaited return to Europe's premier club competition and after Forest's late fightback to beat Villa, many Reds fans will be dreaming of following suit this season.

Forest are now up to fourth and Chris Wood's goals have been a big part of the team's success under Nuno Espirito Santo. Going into Saturday's game, the New Zealand striker had scored more than half of Forest's Premier League goals.

But Nikola Milenkovic followed up his first Forest goal last week with the equaliser against Villa, before substitute Anthony Elanga opened his account for the season with the winner.

If Wood's supporting cast can keep chipping in, perhaps Forest can mount a challenge for Champions League qualification.