Nottingham Forest

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  1. 'Southampton competed well'published at 17:39 19 January

    Nuno Espirito SantoImage source, Getty Images

    Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo to BBC Match of the Day after today's game: "This a very tough league. The second half, we started really well and controlled the game but then there was the deflection and stoppages. The game didn't flow and that did not help us."

    On disallowed goal: "They are clear with the rules. They judge it and we have to accept it. The game is never over. Every team competes well. Southampton competed well.

    "We have to give credit to our opponent. They are 3-0 at half-time and they have this reaction, we have to credit this."

    On Elliot Anderson: "I think Elliot is doing amazing and achieved a beautiful goal."

  2. Nottingham Forest 3-2 Southampton: Forest march onpublished at 17:00 19 January

    Matthew Henry
    BBC Sport Journalist

    Nottingham Forest celebrate goalImage source, Getty Images

    In the end, Nottingham Forest's first-half performance was enough to continue their superb form.

    A seventh win in eight games keeps them on course for European football next season at the very least.

    In many ways the game was typical Forest. They were clinical in taking advantage of mistakes and playing on the counter attack in the first half.

    Their scrambling defence in the closing moments was also reminiscent of the draw against Liverpool on Tuesday.

    Manager Nuno Espirito Santo will have wished for an easier finish. Stress-free finales will help preserve energy in the latter part of the season.

    That, though, is a worry for another day. At the moment anything looks possible.

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  3. 'We needed those three points'published at 16:49 19 January

    Elliot AndersonImage source, Getty Images

    Nottingham Forest goalscorer Elliot Anderson has been speaking to BBC Match of the Day after today's victory: "We started really bright but made it hard for ourselves in the second half. Ultimately we got the three points and I'm really happy.

    "We set out to attack both games with the same mentality. Southampton were really good midweek against Manchester United so we knew it was going to be hard for us. I've been working hard for that and the lads have been telling me to shoot. When I got space I thought I'd just bang it.

    "The manager said it's always hard when you've got something to lose. We needed those three points because there are teams creeping up behind us."

  4. Nottingham Forest 3-2 Southampton: Did you know?published at 16:32 19 January

    Elliot Anderson celebratingImage source, Getty Images

    In their 22 Premier League games this season, Nottingham Forest have gone 1-0 up in 18 of them. Across the competition's history, only Manchester City in 2011-12 and 2018-19 have ever done so more in their opening 22 matches of a campaign (both 19).

  5. Sutton's predictions: Nottingham Forest v Southamptonpublished at 11:04 19 January

    Sutton's predictions graphic

    Southampton put up a decent fight against Manchester United but Tyler Dibling went off with an ankle injury in the second half and if he is missing here then that is a massive blow.

    Let's face it, it is going to be hard for Saints even if Dibling does play. Forest are playing so well and Chris Wood keeps on scoring, so this should be a routine home win for them.

    Sutton's prediction: 2-0

    Read the full predictions and have your say here

  6. Nuno on squad availability, fatigue and Southamptonpublished at 14:14 17 January

    Sarah Rendell
    BBC Sport journalist

    Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Southampton (kick-off 14:00 GMT).

    Here are the key lines from his news conference:

    • Nuno said the squad is "healthy" after the Liverpool game on Tuesday while injured Danilo is "coming back" and Ibrahim Sangare is "getting closer".

    • On if the players were disappointed they could not hold out for victory against the league leaders: "They were tired but are recovering now. It was a very intense game. We played good and competed very well. Now is the moment to recover."

    • On the form of goalkeeper Matz Sels: "It was a huge, huge performance [against Liverpool]. Matz is in a good moment and his confidence [is great]. He has been able to, game after game, keep us in them with his saves. We are delighted and hope he continues."

    • On Southampton: "I think they competed very well yesterday [against Manchester United]. We watched the game and we analysed. That shows credit to them in the position they are and being able to compete. You can see their intensity. We expect a very tough game on Sunday."

    • Therefore, he is not taking the game lightly, despite the switch from playing first in the league to facing bottom of the table: "A totally different test for us. Different players, different team and different shape. Equally, it will be challenging and difficult. Nothing changes in our approach."

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

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  7. The numbers behind Wood's free-scoring formpublished at 11:45 17 January

    Graph showing Chris Wood as second in the Premier League for outperforming his expected goals

    Chris Wood and Nottingham Forest are both enjoying a standout season.

    The 33-year-old's 13 Premier league goals so far have been key in Nuno Espirito Santo's side maintaining their push for a Champions League finish - and maybe beyond?

    In fact, Wood's has scored 43.3% of the 30 his side has managed thus far - the biggest share of a team's goals scored one player in the division. He leads Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, Cole Palmer and Alexander Isak in this metric.

    Forest's tally of 30 is the lowest in the top half, yet they sit third. Each goal scored by Wood is made more valuable by his team relying on fewer goals to secure results.

    But how sustainable is this fine goalscoring form?

    Wood has scored 13 goals by mid-January. He has only twice scored more across an entire campaign - 14 in both 2019-20 while playing for Burnley and last season for Forest.

    They have come from an expected goals [xG] of 7.4 - a considerable overperformance of 5.6.

    In only three seasons of the 10 Premier League seasons Wood has been involved in has he finished with an xG overperformance - by 3 in 2017-18, by 2.1 in 2023-24 and by 1.2 in 2018-19. So, he is currently well on track for his most clinical and most proficient top-flight campaign

    Only Brentford's Bryan Mbuemo [6.4] has overperformed his xG by more than Wood with Wolves' Matheus Cunha also overperforming by 5.6.

    While there is nothing to indicate his numbers will falter, the unusual nature of Wood's xG overperformance would indicate Forest need to find another source of goals to ensure they can continue to thrive should he suffer a dip in form or injury.

    With back-up striker Taiwo Awoniyi linked with a January move, will owner Evangelos Marinakis look to the market to bolster Nuno's attacking options or do solutions exist within the current squad?

    *All stats provided by Opta

  8. Wood still 'underrated' - Earnshawpublished at 10:13 17 January

    Chris WoodImage source, Getty Images

    Former Nottingham Forest striker Robert Earnshaw says current top scorer Chris Wood remains "underrated" despite his incredible form this season.

    Speaking on the latest episode of BBC Radio Nottingham's Shut Up And Show More Football podcast, Earnshaw, who scored over 40 goals for the club, said: "Chris Wood has been on fire - he's having a hell of a season!

    "I love what he's doing. I'm always analysing games and as a forward, how he does it, where he does it and how he scores his goals.

    "Scoring goals is the hardest thing to do on a football pitch but he's doing everything so, so well. The quality in and around him is brilliant, he's got great technique and he's underrated. His finishing is brilliant.

    With Forest riding high in the Premier League, Earnshaw has encouraged his old side to enjoy the moment and use it as motivation to keep performance levels high.

    "They need to start wanting more," he said. "What they've built so far, they have to be thinking: 'Thank you very much - this is brilliant!'

    "I would have loved this, with all the cameras and all the media coming to watch. I would want this all the time. This happens because they're doing well. The attention is nice. It's a privilege - they've got to be wanting more of that."

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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  9. 🎧 Why's Wood so good?published at 16:57 16 January

    Shut Up And Show More Football podcast graphic

    The latest episode of BBC Radio Nottingham's Shut Up And Show More Football podcast has dropped on BBC Sounds.

    Former Nottingham Forest striker Robert Earnshaw joins the team to discuss Chris Wood and reflect on Tuesday's draw with Liverpool.

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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  10. Is Anderson the 'signing of the season'?published at 12:59 16 January

    Your views banner
    Elliot Anderson playing for Nottingham ForestImage source, Getty Images

    We asked for you for the one thing - good or bad - nobody is talking about at Nottingham Forest but really should be.

    Here are some of your comments:

    Tony: With European aspirations, definite plans for a stadium upgrade must be foremost in the minds of directors/owners at the moment - but are they?

    Edward: Despite the loss of Danilo and Ibrahim Sangare early in the season, the injury profile of the first team squad has improved markedly. This has allowed Nuno to consistently pick a largely settled side.

    Will: Elliot Anderson is probably the signing of the season. He's made such a huge impact in his first season. It's remarkable business and underlines our recent success in the transfer market.

    Ravi: What really isn't mentioned much by the pundits is that Nuno has created an environment where there is clearly a strong bond between the players. All squad members are valued and know they are part of this great season regardless of how many minutes they get. And yes, there are some great individual players, but the real trick Nuno has pulled off is that the whole is far greater than the sum of the parts.

    Sam: Ryan Yates was imperious in the midfield against Liverpool. People forget how integral he is for the Forest team and if they watched every minute of every game they would see his immense contribution.

    Steve: Elliot Anderson the unsung hero. He covers so much ground, it would be interesting to see the data from his performances. At £32m, he's the bargain of the season!

    Kris: Nobody is talking about the important anchor role Yates plays in midfield. He's rarely outmuscled, runs all day and plays with tenacity. Not as technically gifted as some midfielders, but he always gives 100% and lifts the team and fans.

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  11. 'People forget Forest's history'published at 10:28 16 January

    Nedum Onuoha, BBC Sport columnist banner
    Chris WoodImage source, Getty Images

    Nottingham Forest have taken four points from Liverpool this season and that is not something to be underestimated.

    Last season they were in a relegation fight and there were a lot of disagreements about refereeing decisions and it seemed quite unsettled. This season, there is a massive belief within the players and the fans that they can do something special. That comes from Nuno Espirito Santo.

    You cannot say the title race is over in January as that is disrespectful to the teams around Liverpool, but they are the only team I can see being champions in May.

    As for Forest, if they continue the way they are doing, then a European spot is achievable and that would be fantastic for the club. I think a lot of people forget about Forest's European Cup-winning history, so there is hope that Nuno can bring that back for the fans and the club.

    Chris Wood has particularly impressed me. He is there for Forest when they need him and his goal against Liverpool showed me how high in confidence he is.

    It was a brilliant piece of play from Anthony Elanga and Wood managed to apply a clinical finish on his weaker foot to get it past a world-class goalkeeper in Alisson. That is a really positive sign from a striker.

    There is a real togetherness around Forest at the moment, so now it is just about continuing their hard work and enjoying it.

    Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Katie Stafford

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  12. Liverpool were 'there for the taking' insists Elanga published at 23:13 15 January

    Nick Mashiter
    BBC Sport football news reporter

    Anthony Elanga congratulates Chris WoodImage source, Getty Images

    Winger Anthony Elanga insisted Liverpool were "there for the taking" and Nottingham Forest missed their chance to beat the leaders after a pulsating 1-1 draw at The City Ground.

    Tuesday's result kept Forest six points behind Liverpool but extended their unbeaten run to seven games in the Premier League.

    Elanga set up Chris Wood's early opener - the striker's 13th goal of the season - before Diogo Jota equaliser after the break, just 22 seconds after coming on as a substitute.

    "It feels like a loss - it was there for the taking but we will build on this and I feel like this mentality shows how far we have come," he said, with Forest having beaten Liverpool at Anfield in September.

    "I feel like Liverpool were aware of us. They were sitting back a little bit and I think we just need to try and keep the ball more.

    "There were loads of opportunities to do that instead of the centre-backs lumping it forward, to slow the game down a little bit.

    "We are still learning. It is a decent point.

    Forest now host bottom side Southampton on Sunday after just missing out on equalling a club record seven straight league victories, which was set in 1922. Elanga believes Forest need to learn from this to have the mentality to win every game.

    "One hundred percent," he said. "I feel like if you have this you'll go really far.

    "We didn't have [this mentality] last season, when we probably would have taken a draw. This season, things have changed and we approach games wanting to win them now.

    "Teams are aware of us now and know we aren't going to settle for a point."

    An image detailing how to follow your Premier League team on BBC Sport: "On the app? Tap the bell icon to get news about your club sent to you. Signed in on a browser? Hit 'Follow' to stay up to date.
  13. What's one thing no-one is talking about?published at 18:29 15 January

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    Nottingham Forest moved up to second with the draw against Liverpool and there has been so much talk about their excellent goalkeeper, iron-clad defence and the prolific Chris Wood.

    However, you know your club best - so we need you to tell us the one thing that no-one is talking about at Nottingham Forest but really should be?

    Let us know