Nottingham Forest

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Goalkeeper Matz Sels said Nottingham Forest won't get carried away despite ending Boxing Day sitting third in the Premier League.

Nuno Espirito Santo's side leapfrogged Arsenal in the table with Thursday's win over Tottenham - Forest's fourth successive Premier League victory.

It is the first time since May 1995 that Forest have won four consecutive Premier League games.

"We have only played 18 games, the season is still really long," Sels told BBC Radio Nottingham. "It is nice to see the ranking but it is still too early to celebrate.

"We need to enjoy tonight but from tomorrow we need full focus on Sunday's game against Everton. If you want to stay there, we know what we need to do."

Belgium international Sels has now kept back-to-back clean sheets.

"We are defending really well," he said. "We know that we need to defend with 11 players and we are doing well at the moment. It is a pleasure to play with my two central defenders because we have a lot of confidence and we will try to keep going like this.

"It's nice to keep a clean sheet but it is always a team effort, it is not one player so we need to keep going and it is a big game on Sunday. We need to keep going and keep this momentum going as long as possible."

Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Nottingham Forest have spent years in the shadows, it is only fair to allow them to enjoy the good times.

Third in the Premier League and in form they have not seen in the Premier League since 1995 it is heady days at the City Ground.

The stadium was feisty and vociferous as Tottenham were vanquished. Nuno Espirito touched on the togetherness at home in his post-match press conference and believes the team and the fans are as one now.

As the fog rolled in from the Trent it added to the festive magic but there is no mystique about this Forest side. It is hard to see them tailing off and, after half a season, they cannot be called the surprise package any more.

It has taken a year of hard work. Gritting the teeth during last season's battle against relegation, a four-point deduction after a profit and sustainability charge and public rows about referees.

Compared to that this season has been serene, even if owner Evangelos Marinakis was given a five-game stadium ban for spitting in the direction of officials.

After 23 out of the Premier League only the Grinch would begrudge Forest's Christmas cheer.

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Nuno Espirito Santo spoke to Amazon Prime after Nottingham Forest's win over Tottenham: "That [being up to third in the table] is not what is important. We did things very well during a lot of spells in the game. We were against the ropes because Tottenham have huge quality. But overall a good performance."

On what pleased him most: "We came into the game realising we had to be brave. The way we went out always with a threat, that is how we achieved the goal. I'm very pleased with the attitude and the spirit and the help of fans. The City Ground was huge for us today."

On the goal: "The first pass was beautiful and the finish, he is a talented boy."

On togetherness: "Our main strength is the bond they have, they way they help each other in every moment. Those from the bench [made an] impact. Everyone in the squad is huge. It's a team spirit. It's a team sport and we need everybody."

On if the City Ground is a fortress: "We had issues here in the past. We have been able to compete much better at home. The huge help from the fans helped us and we can feel it. We have to keep on going."

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Anthony Elanga has scored in three consecutive Premier League games for the first time. He had gone 28 games without a goal before this current run.

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Nottingham Forest's performance

What did you make of Tottenham's display?

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

There are eight matches in the Premier League on Thursday, and we will bring you every moment.

• Manchester City v Everton (12:30)

• Bournemouth v Crystal Palace

• Chelsea v Fulham

• Newcastle v Aston Villa

• Nottingham Forest v Tottenham

• Southampton v West Ham

• Wolves v Manchester United (17:30)

• Liverpool v Leicester (20:00)

Kick-off time 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.

This week, he takes on Eats Everything, aka DJ and producer Daniel Pearce.

Sutton's prediction: 2-2

Tottenham are flagging at the moment and missing a lot of key players but it is obvious that manager Ange Postecoglou will not compromise on his playing style - he has made that clear in the past week.

It makes this game fascinating because Nottingham Forest are in great form and they are also resilient defensively, and able to soak up pressure.

Spurs are such a strange team that I still feel they could go to the City Ground and win by three or four goals, but you have to fancy Forest to score a couple too.

I am very tempted to back Nuno Espirito Santo's side to win this, because they will sit in a mid to low block and just counter-attack, which will cause Spurs problems.

But Tottenham have got goals in them, so I am going for a draw.

Eats Everything's prediction: 3-1

One of my best mates, Matt, is a die-hard Forest fan so I follow them quite closely and I am really pleased they are doing so well. They have got some brilliant players too - if Manchester United signed Murillo then I would be over the moon, and I really like Chris Wood.

Forest were brilliant against United earlier this month and fully deserved to beat us. They have had some big results already this season and I think they will get another win here. I was going to go 2-0 to Forest, but Spurs always score.

Read the full predictions and have your say

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After a run of 28 Premier League games without a goal, Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga has now scored in his past two appearances.

The winger has never scored in three consecutive league games.

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For me, wherever I played, I'd always see where the first game was, where the last game was, and where we were at Christmas.

There is such a big difference between being at home on Boxing Day versus being away because, depending on what your manager is like, if you've got an away game there is a chance you're training on Christmas Day.

Some of the toughest times I had was when we had away games on Boxing Day and we had to come in to train at four or five on Christmas. That's when everything is just starting at home and everyone is really enjoying themselves and you have to leave.

If you lose you are sat in the hotel having walked away from friends and family all for no points. It's not the best feeling and as a consequence you bring home some of that disappointment with you.

But, in reality, you just know it is the busiest time of the year. The floodlights are always on for the games, the conditions get that little bit tougher, you've got games it feels like every three or four days.

I think it's an exciting part of the season because you can gain real, significant momentum but ultimately it comes down to are you winning games.

I think the Christmas period itself can be tough if you have got family but in reality it always feels nicer when you get that win on Boxing Day. The atmosphere in the stadiums is a little bit different, the atmosphere among the players is a bit different.

You're very thankful to get the chance to do what you do, but if you end up losing on Boxing Day or around that spell it is rubbish because it almost feels like it was a waste of time with all the efforts you put in.

But, I get it. The fans love it, there is a lot of clamour around it. You lose track of days just like everyone else does after Christmas and before New Year but it is great to play in front of those types of crowds and it just does feel different playing during that week or two.

Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Nat Hayward

Pat Riddell
Fan writer

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Only four clubs have scored against Liverpool at Anfield in the Premier League this season. Only one of them have won.

In fact, Arne Slot's side have only been defeated once in the league this season. And that victory was Nottingham Forest's first at Anfield in 55 years.

There have been several memorable moments this year for Forest, particularly since this enthralling season began in August. But that historic win is up there for many reasons — most importantly, it was an early marker for this season. It demonstrated that we can win anywhere, that Nuno Espirito Santo's side have the tactical nous to deliver those kind of performances and that getting one over on our old-time European rivals instilled a confidence that only games like that can bring.

I was in the departure lounge at Heathrow Terminal 5, desperately trying to catch a glimpse on my phone; we took off before I knew the final result. Our writer George Edwards was there though, and described it as "total ecstasy… perhaps the greatest away moment this century".

Having slumped to a 3-0 defeat in the same fixture last season, Forest were already a more resolute outfit having strengthened in key areas. Nuno's team selection was a surprise but clearly part of a carefully thought through game plan. Stifling Liverpool's attack is no easy task but that's exactly what the Reds did — playing in their sky blue kit — displaying their determination and collective organisation. The devastating part of the strategy was bringing on the benched pair of Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi, whose pace and match-winning exploits were the difference on the day.

I don't think there's a Forest fan who didn't remain on a high for days, even weeks, after that win. Given how the season has panned out so far, both sides have performed beyond expectations — and this result was hugely significant in a current and historic context.

Find more from Pat Riddell at The Famous Club, external

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Nottingham Forest's league position at Christmas is "extraordinary" but they still need to "keep their feet on the floor", says BBC Radio Nottingham's Colin Fray.

Their 2-0 victory over Brentford on Saturday, who had been unbeaten at home this season, took them to fourth in the table.

The Reds are now three points above Bournemouth in fifth and just two points behind Arsenal, who sit third.

Fray said: "Who would have given you many odds on that [top four at Christmas] back in August? Nobody really.

"People weren't expecting this. People locally might have been thinking that 12th or something like that would have been a great improvement, but nobody was thinking this. Fourth at Christmas is an extraordinary improvement year on year.

"They finished last year with 32 points and earned 36 on the pitch. They have 31 already but Forest are not going to be going into the new year thinking: 'That's it, we have enough points now to stay safe.' Those objectives are revised now.

"They need to keep doing what they are doing. They need to strengthen again in January with sensible additions to make them even stronger, even better.

"Like any side, they will need a little bit of luck with injuries and want to avoid key players getting injured. And they need really to keep their feet on the floor.

"They can't get carried away by thinking about the league table and their position."

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been speaking to the media before Thursday's Premier League game against Tottenham (kick-off 15:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Nuno confirmed that they are "still assessing" who will be available for the match on Boxing day as players have been doing recovery in training and there is "still time to make decisions".

• When asked about his time as manager at Tottenham, he said "the past is the past" and that his only focus now is on Forest where he is "delighted" to be.

• On if this is the most confident he has felt as a manager: "I'm always confident. Since the beginning and even last season. I'm confident the dedication and commitment can achieve good results. I'm very proud of players working every day, staying humble and recognising we have a lot to improve and a long way to go."

• Nuno said he does not know a lot about the club's new chief executive Lina Souloukou, who was appointed on Monday, but that "football is very simple" and "each [person] takes care of their own things and I'm here to take care of what's on the pitch and the players".

• On if he is concerned his players will attract attention in the January transfer window due to the team's good form: "This is what we have to be ready for. Each part of club has to be responsible for their situation. Knowing January is a very tricky one for recruitment and a very tricky one for not creating any unbalance to our own squad."

• He added: "More [important] than anything is the players are committed and focused only on their tasks."

• On what he and the team are doing to maintain the longevity of their current confidence: "Work even harder. Commit even more. Pay attention even more to details. Everything more - more confidence, more belief, always with the expectation of increasing standards."

• Nuno said "the players make things happen" when asked about them believing in what he asks of them. He added: "You can try and do whatever you can with the details but they are the ones who make things happen, so a lot of credit to them."

• The Forest boss said he is "not even thinking about" where the Reds could finish this season and refused to say whether they are in the race for European football.

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

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Nottingham Forest have announced the appointment of Lina Souloukou as the club's new CEO from 5 January 2025.

As the former CEO of Roma, Souloukou has represented the Italian side and Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis' Olympiakos on the board of the European Club Association (ECA).

Speaking of the appointment, Marinakis said: "We are delighted to welcome Lina Souloukou to our team. Her proven track record in football management and her passion and commitment align perfectly with our vision for Nottingham Forest and the wider group as we continue to push for greater success."

Souloukou added: "I am honoured to rejoin Mr Marinakis' football family. The opportunity to drive forward the success of Nottingham Forest and contribute to the wider group is an exciting challenge.

"I look forward to starting work in the new year to deliver on our shared ambitions."

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

Here are some of your comments:

Brentford fans

Ian: Forest did a job on Brentford. Two chances, two goals - and goals win matches. Mbuemo, Wissa and Schade were well marshalled by the Forest defenders. Damsgaard had another great game, but his efforts in midfield could not unlock the Forest defence. Both of these teams will finish the season mid-table.

Will: It's a game of fine margins. We had chances that we couldn't convert. I feel like there was a bit too much dancing around the box and a bit too little of taking a shot to make a chance happen. Credit to Forest, they defended really well and were clinical when they had a chance. We are really missing some of the key players who are off injured. We need to make the best of what we have, as we move on with a tough run of games coming. Come on, you Bees!

George: It's clear that the sting we are missing this season is through impact substitutions. Wissa was once a bullet from the bench, but now he can't get any rest. We started strong but we had nothing up our sleeves for a second-half 'second wind'.

Jed: Our bubble has burst and. If we don't start picking up away points, we are going down the table.

Forest fans

Shaun: The way we started, a lot of teams might have scored and fortunately Brentford were not able to take advantage. We then grew into the game, mostly letting Brentford have the ball in non-dangerous areas but we had the much better chances. Once we got the second goal they tried getting back into the game, but our defence did enough to deservedly win the game. Good to see Elanga back into the groove again.

Raymond: When I looked at the line-up for this game, I thought: "That is a team with intent!" For me, that is our strongest team.

James: Solid going forward, solid defending, not a foot put wrong all game. We won quite convincingly. I'm so happy with the past year under Nuno - and long may it continue.

Stuart: Our success is built on the defensive strength of Murillo and Milenkovic. They truly give us something to build on going forward, where there is enough talent higher up the pitch to be a threat to any team.

Chris Wise
Final Score reporter at Gtech Community Stadium

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It is 30 years since Nottingham Forest last spent Christmas inside the Premier League's top four.

Nuno Espirito Santo's messages are consistent: 'stay humble' and 'we haven't achieved anything yet' are words that have been used a few times in recent weeks, including after Saturday's win at Brentford.

Clearly Nuno needs to manage expectations. I don't think anybody, inside or outside of Nottingham, expected the Reds to be rattling on the gates of the Champions League this season.

But the direction of travel is really promising.

I have seen Forest's past two games and what they have shown in both matches is immense character.

Even watching their substitutes warm down on the side of the pitch at the weekend, once the crowds had gone home, there was an obviously relaxed and jovial mood on show. Playful hugs were being exchanged by some.

Undeniably, Forest have got that 'feel-good factor' about them right now.

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Nottingham Forest have the third-best Premier League away form this season, behind only Chelsea and Liverpool, having already picked up 17 points from nine league games on the road.

Former Premier League defender Ashley Williams has been discussing the secret to the Reds' away form this season on Match of the Day: "It plays into the way that Nuno sets them up.

"Their average possession over the past 17 games has been 40.2% - only Everton have less possession in the league - but they are so comfortable without the ball.

"They have a strong spine in the team and they don't need to dominate possession at all. But, when they do when they win the ball back, they get it up the pitch very early and quickly with purpose.

"Hudson-Odoi can beat a man at any time he wants. They have runners with Anderson and Williams. Elanga and Wood are allowed to get into the box.

"So they don't always have the ball but, as soon as they get it, they have one thing on their mind.

"They have got their left-back crossing and their right-back scoring a goal - that goes to show how adventurous they can be when they have got the ball.

"They don't hang about. They aren't slow in their build-up but, when they do get the ball, they want to get it forward quickly.

"Most of the time, when they get possession, it ends in some sort of chance - so they aren't messing around with the ball."

Catch up on Match of the Day here

Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from Saturday's five Premier League fixtures, including Manchester City's visit to Aston Villa and the London derby between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

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

Listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• West Ham 1-1 Brighton

• Crystal Palace 1-5 Arsenal

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.