Nottingham Forest

Tom Gayle
BBC Sport

Despite Nottingham Forest needing a point to absolutely guarantee a third consecutive season in the Premier League, the pre-match vibes from the packed out away end delivered an overwhelming sense of job already done before a ball was even kicked.

There seemed to be a dress code of minimal clothing, which included some in high-vis jackets, accompanied by accessories of beach balls and a few naked inflatables. This was most definitely an end of season party.

It is a campaign which will be best remembered by neutrals for Forest's actions off the pitch. Sacking Steve Cooper, appointing Nuno Espirito Santo, hiring Mark Clattenburg as a referee consultant and owner Evangelos Marinakis and first team coach Steven Reid pursuing officials all the way to the referee's office following their home defeat to Liverpool. There was also a four-point deduction for breaching the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), and releasing ‘that’ statement after penalty decisions did not go their way at Everton.

Amidst the chaos, two players in particular have stood out. Club record signing Morgan Gibbs-White ended the campaign with five league goals, plus an eye catching ten assists, a figure only bettered by Cole Palmer (11) and Ollie Watkins (13).

His performances throughout have been all action. He offered a perfect blend of the work rate needed to excel at this level, combined with bravery and creativity on the ball, which has seen him try, and pull things off, like he is flexing in the park with his mates and not gracing some of the biggest football stadia in the world. Even with the depth of talent available to Gareth Southgate, his name warrants being in the Euro 2024 conversation.

Then there is Murillo. A Brazilian ball playing centre-half who is built like a boxer. He arrived in the East Midlands having made just 13 League appearances for Corinthians, and has gone on to start all 31 English top flight matches he has been available for.

The 21-year-old is more than adept at the art of defending, but has quickly achieved cult status amongst Forest fans for his marauding dribbles, and ability to ping long balls with draw dropping accuracy. Turf Moor was treated to several renditions of "he's breaking ankles everywhere he goes. His name's Murillo, Murillo dos Santos."

Head Coach Nuno Espirito Santo told me: "Definitely there will be interest from other clubs.

"We just have to wait and see. In football you never know."

I am sure most Forest fans understand where they sit in the food chain. It is likely they will lose one, if not both. However, unlike last summer's sale of Brennan Johnson, which was eventually confirmed on the 1st September 2023, the club will look to get any potential business done by the 30th June 2024 PSR deadline.

After Nottingham Forest's victory in their final game of the season against Burnley, we asked for your views on the match and the season as a whole.

Here are some of your responses:

Doug: Good game to finish off an indifferent season. A more relaxed performance and good to stay up with a six-point difference rather than goal difference. Now is the time to let Nuno Espirito Santo decide what players to bring in and more importantly, what players to get shot of (there is a few who are simply not good enough for the Premier League).

Shaun: We should not have conceded so much possession to a relegated team. Whoever is in charge next season has to sort out set-piece organisation - have someone who can bully the opposition but pass the ball with ease.

Jason: Just happy we stayed up and got the win. Hoping next season we get rid of the deadwood in our ranks and sign quality over quantity this transfer window. COYR!!

Matt: Fitting victory to end a troubled season. Certainly no better under Nuno than Cooper. It’s easy to say we were, but Cooper had to deal with the incoming lack of fitness and likely would have build in that. Glad we’ve survived and really hope we hold on to key players, but time will tell. A hard-fought survival for a third term in the top flight!

Alex: Another turbulent campaign but hopefully we have a foothold in the Premier League now. Some talent starting to settle too - Hudson-Odoi, Wood, Elanga, Boli, Murillo. Gibbs-White consistently the engine. Let us consolidate next season. Don’t change too much and go for a mid- table finish.

Gary Lineker introduces highlights and analysis from the final 10 games of the Premier League season.

If you missed Sunday's Match of the Day, you can catch up on the action on BBC iPlayer here.

Also, listen back to the two BBC Radio 5 Live match commentaries in full on BBC Sounds:

• Man City 3-1 West Ham

• Chelsea 2-1 Bournemouth

Image source, Getty Images

Nuno Espirito Santo says he will celebrate Premier League survival with "two or three beers" tonight.

Nottingham Forest can now look forward to another season in the top flight and – hopefully for them – one that will not come with the stress of a points deduction for breaching financial rules which kept them in the relegation scrap until the end.

"We are very happy and proud of the way we finished the season," said Nuno. "We all know how hard it is, how tough it was for all of us at the football club and it was important to finish on a high, winning and achieving what was the main objective when we arrived, Premier League status.

On joining in the middle of the season: "It was the first time as a coaching staff we joined a football club in the middle of the season and it was a new experience. We embraced the challenge as it was something new.

"But what we didn’t have and what we are getting now was what you normally achieve in the pre-season, the bond. We had to build our relationships through the season while competing, so when you asked me if it was hard it was because we didn’t have the chance to build the bond.

"Now we are starting to see the players trusting us more, trusting each other. Definitely it was the most difficult."

Here are the key facts and figures from Sunday's game between Burnley and Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

• Nottingham Forest have now won back-to-back away matches in the Premier League for the first time since April 1995 (run of four). Prior to this, they had played 95 top-flight away matches without recording consecutive victories on the road.

• Chris Wood has now netted 14 league goals this season, with only Stan Collymore in 1994/95 (22 goals) scoring more in a top-flight campaign for Forest.

• Burnley kept just two clean sheets in the Premier League this season, which is their fewest ever in a single Premier League campaign. Vincent Kompany’s men also conceded 78 goals, their most in a top-flight campaign since 2009/10 (82 goals conceded).

• Six of Chris Wood’s Premier League goals this season have been assisted by Anthony Elanga, which is the most any player has assisted another in the competition this season.

• Burnley have finished the Premier League season with 24 points, their lowest ever points total in a top-flight campaign (when considering three points for a win). Burnley have also lost 24 matches, their joint-most ever in a top-flight campaign (also 24 defeats in 2009/10).

• Elanga provided nine assists from open play in the Premier League this season, with only Bryan Roy in 1994/95 (10) providing more assists from open play in a single Premier League season for Forest.

Adam Millington
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

This had all the hallmarks of the final game of the season, but Nottingham Forest’s campaign ends with victory after Chris Wood’s double sealed their top-flight safety as they beat Burnley.

Wood’s early double, putting them ahead by two goals after just 14 minutes, helped set up a comfortable win for Forest.

It was Burnley who held the lion’s share of the possession, but Forest’s efforts in the final third were more promising.

Anthony Elanga, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Morgan Gibbs-White troubled Burnley on the counter-attack and the hosts found it difficult to deal with Forest on the break.

Wood, who ends the Premier League season having scored 14 goals, was unable to achieve a hat-trick but Forest continued to test the hosts.

Josh Cullen’s shot taking an unfortunate deflection off Murillo meant Forest missed out on the opportunity to achieve a clean sheet, but that will not weigh heavily on Nuno’s mind.

Despite having to deal with being deducted four points, they’ve ensured they will play Premier League football for another year.

Chris Wood's double against his former club sealed Premier League safety for Nottingham Forest as they comfortably beat relegated Burnley.

What did you make of the game?

Burnley fans, let us know your thoughts, external

Forest fans - happy with your final performance of the season?, external

The 2023-24 Premier League season might be drawing to a close, but BBC Sport's dedicated coverage of Nottingham Forest will be sticking around for the summer.

From transfer gossip to club news to fan views - we have got you covered.

So make sure you don't miss anything by following your club and signing up to notifications straight to your devices.

After that, all you need to do is keep returning to your club's page throughout the summer - simple!

All 20 teams are in action on the final day of the 2023-24 Premier League season, with the title winners, European spots and one relegation place still to be confirmed.

Follow all of the action and reaction here

We asked for your views on Nottingham Forest and what lies ahead, with safety almost certainly assured before Sunday's final Premier League game of the season.

Here are some of your replies:

Tom: While safety is all but secured, it has been a very frustrating season for Forest fans. Performances have improved under Nuno Espirito Santo, but defensively we are still well below par and a clearout is needed in the summer. Outgoings will precede incomings, and while I hope we can hold onto Morgan Gibbs-White and Murillo, if massive offers come in, we can't really refuse.

Tim: Last August I was optimistic for lower mid-table, so to finish 17th has been a bit of a disappointment. Still feel that Steve Cooper would also have kept us safe. Fully behind Nuno for next year - he needs time. Happy to finally sign a good goalkeeper in Matz Sels. If we have to lose either Murillo or Gibbs-White this summer, then we need to keep Morgan.

Kris: Next season will likely begin without Murillo or talisman Gibbs-White, so our recruitment needs to improve. No more scattergun approach and instead it's quality over quantity. We need to review our coaching and medical set-up after a season disrupted by too many injuries too. Give Nuno the benefit of a pre-season and transfer window - he's earned that much.

Andrew: Fear we'll need to sell one of our top players over the summer (along with getting rid of the deadwood) to be able to strengthen. If we don't, we're going to really struggle next season. The brutal truth is that we've been let off the hook by three poor teams. Nuno hasn't been a vast improvement so far, but we need to give him at least a full season.

Neil: I have never looked forward to the end of season more than now. It's been a horrible experience for Forest fans. Having said that, I don't think now is a good time to change the manager. It's time to put our trust in him and let him build the mid-table team we all want and expect. Better recruitment needed, for sure.

Lisa: Just happy it is all over in a few days. This season has been one to forget for many reasons on and off the pitch. We really need to focus on what we can do on the pitch next season and have far less drama off it. The only shining light has been Hudson-Odoi and Murillo, who have really stepped up. Roll on a quieter season in 2024-25.

Chris Sutton is making predictions for every Premier League game this season against a variety of guests.

For this weekend’s final games of the season, he takes on Gladiators star Legend.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

This was supposed to be the big relegation decider but, with Burnley down and Nottingham Forest's goal difference meaning they are as good as safe, there is nothing really riding on it now.

I feel for Burnley in many ways, because I actually think they are a well-run football club. They have got a bright young manager in Vincent Kompany and, if they can keep their squad together, they will be back in the Premier League soon.

Regardless of the points deduction, this will go down as a disappointing season for Forest, even though they have stayed up.

It is not as if they have kicked on since Nuno Espirito Santo replaced Steve Cooper as manager in December, is it?

Legend's prediction: 2-1

Firstly, it is at Burnley which is a big thing and they have just gone down so they will want to sign off on a high.

Also, Forest know they are staying up now and there is no way that won't affect them here. No matter what they say, their motivation for this game is not going to be there.

Read all of Sutton’s predictions for the final day of the season here

Image source, Getty Images

If you haven't done so already, you have until 10:00 BST on Wednesday, 22 May to cast your vote for Nottingham Forest's player of the season from our shortlist.

The candidates have been chosen by Forest fan writer Saveena Johal from Punjabi Forest, external.

Find out the reasons behind the selections and make your choice here

Image source, Getty Images

Nuno Espirito Santo says Nottingham Forest have "let too many games get away" from them this season but feels they have always competed.

It has been a difficult season for Forest, who sacked Steve Cooper just before Christmas because of poor form, and also had four points deducted for breaking Profit and Sustainability Rules.

Nuno's side travel to Turf Moor on Sunday knowing that even if Luton win against Fulham and they lose to Burnley, the Hatters would also need to make up a 12-goal swing in goal difference to force Forest down.

"At the end [of Sunday's game] we will talk about what we have achieved," the Forest boss said.

"So many things have happened, so I am really proud of the players and I have to give them credit.

"When we go back and do analysis of the season it will be in the right moment, but we have always been able to compete really well in games. Sometimes we play better or not so good, but we have competed.

"The feeling is always that we should have been better. We have never felt that someone beat us, it was just that we let too many games get away from us.

"Yes, in certain games we have been punished but we have always been a team that wants to attack and score. That is part of our identity.

"We still have to finish the job. But credit to the players because it has not been an easy season."

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Nuno Espirito Santo has been speaking to the media before Sunday's final game of the season at Burnley.

Here are the key lines from the Nottingham Forest boss:

• Midfielder Nicolas Dominguez has had surgery "to solve an issue that has been dragging on" and will not be available for the final game of the season.

• Defender Neco Williams will also miss the trip to Turf Moor.

• On being all-but safe from relegation: "There is still a game to go and we know how football can go. It is best that we prepare the same way with commitment. We are clear about everything that can happen."

• He said "it has not been an easy season" so "is really proud" of the players for the way they dealt with the challenges.

• On what they need to do to improve next season: "When we go back and do analysis it will be in the right moment. We have always been able to compete really well in games. The feeling is always that we should have been better."

• He said Chris Wood "has given so much" to the team since joining on loan in January and "is going to finish well" against Burnley.

• On VAR and the vote to scrap it: "It is a tough one. I think it should have been better this season, so we have to hope it improves. What we want for them is to improve. I am no so sure about scrapping it."

Follow all of Friday's live Premier League news conferences

Mark Mitchener
BBC Sport Senior Journalist

Image source, Getty Images

The Premier League season finishes on Sunday, with the league champions, qualifiers for European competitions and the third relegated club all yet to be confirmed.

The title

Manchester City start the day two points ahead of Arsenal but with a marginally worse goal difference.

City will be champions:

• If they beat West Ham

• If they draw or lose AND Arsenal fail to win

Arsenal will be champions:

• If they beat Everton AND City fail to win - an Arsenal win and a City draw would hand the title Arsenal on goal difference

The remaining European places

The fifth-place finisher qualifies for the Europa League. For sixth and seventh, it will depend on the outcome of the FA Cup final, the winners of which earn a Europa League place.

If Manchester City win the FA Cup, that Europa League place reverts to the league so the sixth-placed team will play in next season's Europa League, and the seventh-placed team will be in the Europa Conference League.

If Manchester United win the FA Cup, they get in the Europa League wherever they finish, and the highest-placed team not yet qualified for Europe gets the Europa Conference League place.

So let's take it team by team...

Tottenham:

• Will be fifth if they avoid defeat at Sheffield United, or if Chelsea fail to win

• Will be sixth if they lose AND Chelsea win

Chelsea:

• Will be fifth if they beat Bournemouth AND Tottenham lose

• Will be sixth if they win AND Tottenham avoid defeat

• Will be sixth if they draw, regardless of any other results

• Will be seventh if they lose AND Newcastle United win, or if Manchester United win while making up a 16-goal swing in goal difference over the Blues

• Will be eighth if they lose AND Newcastle win AND Manchester United win while making up the aforementioned 16-goal swing

Newcastle:

• Will be sixth if they win at Brentford AND Chelsea lose

• Will be seventh if they win AND Chelsea avoid defeat

• Will be seventh if they draw AND Manchester United fail to win

• Will be seventh if they lose AND Manchester United lose

• Will be eighth if they fail to win AND Manchester United win

Manchester United:

• Will be sixth if they win at Brighton AND Chelsea lose, with United making up an unfathomable 16-goal swing in goal difference on them, AND Newcastle fail to win

• Will be seventh if they better Newcastle's result, if they win and Newcastle fail to win, or if they draw and Newcastle lose

• Will be eighth if Newcastle match their result, if both teams win, draw or lose, or if Manchester United draw and Newcastle avoid defeat - or if Manchester United lose no matter what happens elsewhere

There is a highly unlikely scenario in which Manchester United could overtake Newcastle if both clubs win or both lose. However, it would require an improbable 25-goal swing in goal difference for this to occur. For example, if Newcastle win 1-0, Manchester United would need to win by a margin of 26 goals or more to move above them in the table.

The remaining relegation spot

Luton Town will be relegated unless they beat Fulham AND Nottingham Forest lose at Burnley, while the Hatters would also need to make up a 12-goal swing in goal difference across the two games, which would improbably relegate the Reds instead.

Sheffield United are planning a move for Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall, 27. (Team Talk), external

Want more transfer news? Read Friday's full gossip column

The latest episode of BBC Radio Nottingham's Shut Up And Show More Football is available now.

David Jackson and Colin Fray discuss Forest almost certainly securing a third successive season in the Premier League, VAR in the English top flight and whether the club could move from the City Ground.

Listen on BBC Sounds

Wolves are in the news this week for their pursuit of a vote on the scrapping of VAR.

Their wishes drew further scrutiny on Wednesday when Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon found himself in the middle of a contentious call before offering a strong view on the technology after his side went down at Manchester United.

"Modified" is the word when we are talking about VAR going to a vote.

We are still getting to grips with it, but we have seen some good come from it. There have been some instances of indifferent decisions because calls are getting too many looks at them from so many angles.

They still do not know what is a good tackle and what is not. I think they need help from some former players, who have been in that situation and understand what the differences are in those challenges.

We keep talking about different angles and that is not going to go away because with VAR or without it, on certain challenges we would still disagree. You could have two current players in a room and they still would not agree.

It is Wolves' opinion on VAR and if they feel it is not working for them, then you can understand why they are saying to have a go without it again.

Molineux boss Gary O'Neil has been very frustrated, but he has also been balanced and tried to stay quiet. Now he does not want to stay quiet because he feels it does not benefit them and decisions are not going their way.

Overall, we have seen good things from VAR, even if it does bring with it a delay and a wait.

It would be a shame now for it to all go away when we have all the technology in place.

Michael Brown was speaking to BBC Sport's Katie Stafford

Survival is almost certainly secured, so what are your thoughts going into Sunday's final game of the season?

What has to change with Forest's recruitment? Are you confident the Reds can meet profitability and sustainability rules?

And what about the boss - is Nuno Espirito Santo the right person to lead the club forward?

Have your say here.

Here are the key facts and figures before Burnley host Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday.

• Burnley have won six of their past seven home league games against Nottingham Forest, but this is the first time they have hosted them since a 1-0 win in February 2016.

• Nottingham Forest are winless in their past six league games against Burnley (D4 L2) since a 2-0 home win in December 2012.

• Having won their final Premier League game in the 2009-10 (4-2 v Spurs) and 2014-15 (1-0 v Aston Villa) campaigns, Burnley have lost each of their past six matches on MD38 in the competition

• Nottingham Forest have not won their final league game in any of the past four seasons (D2 L2) since beating Bolton 1-0 in their 2018-19 Championship campaign.