Nottingham Forest

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  1. 'Never-say-die spirit has supporters dreaming'published at 12:30 17 December 2024

    Pat Riddell
    Fan writer

    Nottingham Forest fan's voice banner
    Nottingham Forest's goal scorers Nikola Milenkovic (2nd right) and Anthony Elanga celebrate victoryImage source, Getty Images

    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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  2. Nottingham Forest 2-1 Aston Villa - the fans' verdictpublished at 10:59 16 December 2024

    Your views banner
    Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White (right) competing with Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Aston Villa FC at City GroundImage source, Getty Images

    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.

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  3. 'Just how far can Forest go?'published at 09:57 16 December 2024

    Chris Wise
    BBC Radio 5 Live commentator

    Elliot Anderson and Nikola Milenkovic celebrate a Nottingham Forest goalImage source, Getty Images

    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?

  4. Nottingham Forest 2-1 Aston Villa: Supporting cast now chipping inpublished at 22:31 14 December 2024

    Ben Collins
    BBC Sport journalist

    Anthony Elanga is congratulated after scoring for Nottingham Forest against Aston VillaImage source, Getty Images

    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.

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  5. 'We try to build something we can identify with the club and City' published at 20:20 14 December 2024

    Nuno Espirito Santo Manager of Nottingham Forest points out instructions to his players during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Aston Villa FC at City GroundImage source, Getty Images

    Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo speaking to Sky Sports: "It is a big moment. It is a huge moment. After the team went down the reaction was good. VAR overturned the game and we thought it was game over. This match was incredible. The players gave everything and had a desire to go beyond football.

    "The fans were a big part in the game today. They helped the team and it goes beyond football, moments like this. It is about the heart and desire of the boys.

    "We try and try every day to build something nice that we can identify with the club, the City. It is an important moment that we feel when things go against you and you react, that is what I appreciate the most. We played against a very good team. The first time was very tactical. After the goal the game opened up and the spaces were there. You want to take control one side of the pitch and the balance was not there every time. I saw fantastic runs in the back. It pleases me and huge credit to them. I gave them another day off! It is easier to work on good results.

    "I think it is about enjoying. We are working very hard. We are working with clear plans of improvement and building the team. We are competing with all the clubs. Our way is about organisation and belief. It is about taking advantage of the moment we have and the boys did well today."

  6. 'I want the fans to enjoy the journey'published at 19:58 14 December 2024

    Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga (2nd left) celebrates scoring his side's second goal during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Aston Villa FC at City Ground Image source, Getty Images

    Nottingham Forest matchwinner Anthony Elanga speaking to Sky Sports after today's victory: "I feel like this season for me I can do better. I am a good finisher and I need to get in the positions. The team did really well today and credit to Villa, it was a good game.

    "As a football player, you want to play every game and when you don't, you want to make an impact. It was hard to break them down and we had that space in behind.

    "We work in training on the different types of movements and looking at it now, it is a good finish. Credit to Martinez. I think he had a great game and made that great save, but we got past him in the end.

    "I feel like I can improve in everything. I can get faster and stronger and I am not a finished article and the gaffer always wants me to get better. I just want to be a better player. I am my own biggest critic ahead of other people. I just have to keep working hard and keep producing."

    On Forest being in the top four: "It is incredible and long may that continue. The season is really long and I just want the fans to enjoy the journey."

  7. Nottingham Forest 2-1 Aston Villa: Did you know?published at 19:51 14 December 2024

    Nikola Milenkovic of Nottingham Forest scores to make the score 1-1 during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Aston Villa FC at City GroundImage source, Getty Images

    Nottingham Forest won this game despite being 0-1 down at 86:14 - the latest they have ever trailed in a Premier League game they have gone on to win.

    This was also the latest Aston Villa have led in a Premier League game they've gone on to lose since November 2019 vs Liverpool (1-0 up until 86:35, losing 2-1).

    With 28 points, this is Forest's best points return after 16 games in a top-flight campaign since 1994-95 (also 28), going on to finish third that season.

  8. Sutton's predictions: Nottingham Forest v Aston Villapublished at 11:10 14 December 2024

    Chris Sutton and Stephen Bunting

    Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against a variety of guests.

    For week 16 he takes on darts star Stephen Bunting, who is a Liverpool fan.

    Bunting, who is ranked eighth in the Professional Darts Championship (PDC) order of merit, takes on Alan Soutar or Kai Gotthardt in the second round of the PDC World Championship, which starts at London's Alexandra Palace on Sunday.

    Sutton's prediction: 1-1

    This is fifth versus sixth, and I am expecting it to be close.

    Aston Villa have found some form again recently, but this is another test of their squad after a Champions League game in midweek, something they have struggled with previously.

    I tend to back Nottingham Forest when they are at home but they seem just as good on their travels these days, maybe because they like to play on the counter-attack.

    I don't think they will lose this but I don't want to back against Villa either, so a draw seems like the most likely outcome, doesn't it?

    Bunting's prediction: 2-2

    This game has got draw written all over it as well.

    Read the full predictions and have your say here

  9. Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa: Fans Q&Apublished at 16:38 13 December 2024

    Split graphic with Nuno Espirito Santo and Unai Emery

    After difficulties on and off the pitch last season, Nuno Espirito Santo has lifted Nottingham Forest to unexpected heights this campaign. On the other side of the pitch, it had been a tough few weeks for Aston Villa but three consecutive wins suggests Unai Emery's side may have turned a corner.

    Their respective form sets up an intriguing Midlands derby at the City Ground on Saturday.

    While the two sides go head to head on the pitch, we asked our fan writers for each club to go head to head off it.

    They both to ask three questions of each other before the big game...

  10. How much credit is due to Nuno?published at 16:38 13 December 2024

    Saveena Johal
    Fan writer

    Split fan's voice graphic with Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa badges
    Nuno Espirito SantoImage source, PA Media

    Here is what our Nottingham Forest fan Saveena Johal had to say on questions put by our Aston Villa supporter Richard Sutherland.

    How far do you think Nottingham Forest can go this season?

    Momentum surrounding our club is extremely high at the moment, given our recent well-deserved victory at Old Trafford. Off the back of a few recent sore defeats, bouncing up to fifth brings a great sense of hope, especially with Chris Wood in exceptional form.

    We are undeniably clear of relegation, so setting our sights on a top-half finish feels reasonable. For our third consecutive season in the Premier League, the improvements are more than promising.

    With the form of so many of your players, how worried are you about losing the likes of Morgan Gibbs-white, Murrilo, Callum Hudson-Odoi?

    As long as we were to make good money on those players, I have full confidence in the current recruitment team bringing in worthy replacements.

    At present, we have depth at centre-half with Morato and Andrew Omabamidele, as well as Elliot Anderson in midfield. Provided our strong form continues, those in our starting line-up would be unlikely to want to leave and, even if they did, we would appeal to any potential new signings.

    After a difficult spell managing Tottenham and the great job that Steve Cooper did, how much credit do you give Nuno Espirito Santo for what he's achieved at Forest?

    Beating Liverpool and Manchester United away in the very same season is no small feat and, up until now, was unheard of for our club.

    Nuno's capabilities are clear and the team culture he has built is incredibly special this season. His backroom staff also deserve a lot of credit - who, interestingly, were not allowed with him during his time at Spurs.

    We have a lot to praise him for both on and off the pitch, as witnessed through his community work. Right now we're flying - mainly thanks to him.

    Find more from Saveena at Punjabi Forest, external

  11. Who is Villa's best striker?published at 16:36 13 December 2024

    Richard Sutherland
    Fan writer

    Split fan's voice graphic with Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa badges
    Ollie WatkinsImage source, Getty Images

    Here is what our Aston Villa supporter Richard Sutherland had to say on questions put by our Nottingham Forest fan Saveena Johal.

    What do you make of your away form this season, and do you feel your Champions League run has impacted this?

    Our away form started very well with wins at West Ham, Leicester and Fulham, however, defeats at Tottenham and Liverpool, while tough places to go, did bring us back down to earth.

    This Saturday against Forest presents another tough test and, while our results after Champions League games have been patchy, I would put it down to player performance rather than the European hangover.

    With Ollie Watkins recently on the bench against Southampton, how much of an impact do you think Jhon Duran could make if he were to start instead?

    It is a difficult one because Ollie Watkins does so much work for the team, but Duran is a brilliant finisher and plays with so much freedom.

    At the moment, I would say Watkins just shades it, but what a combination of strikers to have.

    What areas of your team do you think will play to Forest's strengths in this match?

    Our defence has been an issue for us this season, with only two clean sheets in the Premier League.

    We have been susceptible to teams who like to break quickly and, with the speed that Forest possess in the likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi, Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga, that will certainly cause Villa problems on Saturday.

    Hopefully not too many though!

    Find more from Richard at The Villa Park Podcast, external

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  12. What can Forest realistically achieve this season?published at 12:48 13 December 2024

    Fara Williams, BBC Sport columnist banner
    Chris WoodImage source, Getty Images

    I do not think Nottingham Forest can challenge for the top four this season, but finishing in the top half of the table would be a realistic target for them. They need to continue the form they are in for as long as possible to build up points on the board.

    Having been fighting relegation in the previous campaign, they are probably in a little bit of a false position. But having said that, they could do what Newcastle did two seasons ago and surprise everyone by finishing in a European spot.

    What will help Forest is a lot of the so-called 'bigger teams' have struggled to find consistency this season and that is reflected in the league table.

    They had a lot of players when Steve Cooper was there and he just could not find a style, but Nuno Espirito Santo has found something that suits them as a whole team. It looks settled and the starting XI plays to their strengths.

    Defensively they have looked solid, but in attack they have pacey wide players and a target man in Chris Wood. He keeps scoring and is having the season of his career, so everything looks good.

    I can see why Forest fans are hoping to see another striker come in, but Taiwo Awoniyi is probably at their level and if he is given a run of games, he should be good enough cover if Wood were to get injured.

    Fara Williams was speaking to BBC Sport's Katie Stafford

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  13. What happens when a commentator loses their notes?published at 12:01 13 December 2024

    The Commentator's View brand image

    Commentators spend hours and hours preparing for each match they cover, writing pages upon pages of notes in order to be prepared as well as possible.

    But what happens if those notes suddenly vanish?

    "It's never a good idea to go into a commentary under-prepped, but it can be dropped on you," BBC Radio 5 Live's Alistair Bruce-Ball told the latest episode of The Commentators' View podcast.

    "I remember a few seasons ago at West Brom for the opening game of the season. it was a lovely sunny day and I was sitting in the commentary position there with all my notes in front of me.

    "Then, a gust of wind took the notes off the gantry, down into the fans below, and all the notes I'd done all week for the game had completely gone. I was just doing the commentary without any notes at all! Actually, it sharpens you up in a way, and you've really got to switch on - you've not got that crutch to lean on."

    "That happened to John Acres last week," said fellow commentator Conor McNamara. "I was at the Manchester United-Nottingham Forest game, which he was doing for 5 Live, and it was very stormy.

    "So when he got out of the car in the car park, apparently his notes fell from his hand, and in that classic if you've got buttered toast it's always the buttered side that lands down way…

    "So whatever way he'd been doing his notes in the car, when he got out of the car, the wind blew, it turned onto the inked side and landed face down. It totally smudged.

    "He showed it to me - totally indecipherable!"

    As the two reflected on shared pain, Bruce-Ball suddenly remembered what exactly happened at West Brom: "t wasn't a gust of wind, it was a wasp that flew into my mouth while I was talking, and I panicked and swished my hand at the notes.

    "So, I actually flipped my notes, and honestly just watching them fly in the air and just disappear. I can't remember who the summariser was sitting alongside me, and we both just looked at each other like… eek!"

    Listen to the full episode now

  14. 'No need to be afraid' - Forest's expectations this seasonpublished at 08:18 13 December 2024

    Nottingham Forest players celebrate Nikola Milenkovic goalImage source, Getty Images

    Chief football writer at The i newspaper and Nottingham Forest supporter Daniel Storey spoke to BBC Radio Nottingham's Shut Up And Show More Football podcast about the Reds' success this season: "I'm going through an almost weekly period of having to reinforce to myself that if we concede a goal, we are not going to now tumble down the Premier League.

    "And, when we score it is not, 'Oh no, we have scored too early' - even though it did feel like that at Old Trafford for a while.

    "We're almost having to psychoanalyse each other and give ourselves therapy that, actually, things are OK. We won't win every week because everyone seems to be beating everyone else in the league at the moment.

    "The exception to that is Liverpool and Chelsea. We have gone away to and won against Liverpool and drawn against Chelsea.

    "So, there is no need to be afraid. There is a process of making that feel normal, because it is hard to escape that feeling of being in the Championship when it was all about needing to go up. In the Premier League, it was all about needing to stay up.

    "This is a completely new experience."

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

  15. 🎧 Forest's form and doing the 92published at 18:08 12 December 2024

    Shut Up And Show More Football podcast graphic

    On the latest Shut Up And Show More Football, BBC Radio Nottingham's David Jackson is joined by The i's chief football writer and Forest fan Daniel Storey.

    The week, the team talk about the Reds' form this season and just how far they can rise this campaign. Plus, Storey discusses his challenge to attend a home game of all the 92 league clubs - culminating at the City Ground.

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

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  16. Nuno sees a 'platform' but has no time for European chatpublished at 15:36 12 December 2024

    Nuno Espirito Santo, Manager of Nottingham Forest, celebrates victory with Murillo of Nottingham Forest after the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Old TraffordImage source, Getty Images

    Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo believes the club has "a good platform" to "build something nice" but refuses to be drawn in to talk of a push for Europe.

    The Reds face Aston Villa on Saturday, who are playing in Europe for the second consecutive season after a 13 year hiatus.

    "We are creating something, we have a good platform and ambition to grow and improve," said Nuno.

    "I really believe we are trying to build something nice together that can allow us to compete - this is what we have to look at."

    Nuno, who last managed in a European competition in 2021 with Tottenham in the Europa League, says he's ignoring the comments about Forest potentially returning to Europe for the first time in almost 30 years.

    "I'm not listening to that, honestly," he said. "But, I don't go too much away from my house, there's been a lot of actions the club have been doing around Christmas time and what I see is happy people.

    "What I tell them is 'let's enjoy the journey, let's stick to our principles and see where we come from and want to go - let's just enjoy it'.

    "My job is to prepare my players to compete, because if the team goes well then the club will go well and the city will be happy - this is what we want."

  17. Nuno on Europe, expectations and evergreen Woodpublished at 15:10 12 December 2024

    Henry Brownsey
    BBC Sport journalist

    Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Aston Villa (kick-off 17:30 GMT).

    Here are the key lines from his news conference:

    • There are "no big issues" regarding injuries and the club.

    • On the win against Manchester United: "It was a good game, a fantastic result and a memorable moment for all of us at the club, in the game we were lucky in the moments we scored which makes a big difference on the momentum of the game. After that we held onto the advantage and managed the game well."

    • His message to the players to ensure they keep focus: "Realise we've achieved nothing - it's just the beginning, the big challenge is to stay focused and look for improvement. Compete always to the maximum that you can because every game you face is very difficult starting on Saturday against Villa. The challenge is to perform, compete and to do everything you can to maintain the standards we want."

    • On Chris Wood becoming Forest's all-time Premier League top scorer: "He's in his peak, I hope he continues - he's in his best moment. There's no age, nothing of that - everything is possible. The squads are getting younger and younger because we're looking at the next player. Sometimes you don't realise a 33 year old can perform as good, his knowledge acquired from his career that he reflects on the pitch is immense."

    • Nuno said he's not "surprised at all" that Forest are where they are in the table, but when asked if there are raised expectations he said: "I'm not listening to that - but I don't go too much away from my house."

    • He added: "We realise the importance of the club and community and what I see is happy people - what I tell them is let's enjoy the journey, stick to the principles, see where we come from and where we want to go - just enjoy it. My job is to prepare the players to compete, if the team goes well, the club will and the City will be happy - this is what we want."

    • On if the club is ready for a European campaign: "We have a good platform and ambition to grow and improve. We are creating something, I really believe we are trying to build something nice together than can allow us to compete - this is what we have to look at."

    • He was asked about the 2034 World Cup being held in Saudi Arabia and spoke about his time in the country: "My personal experience was good, very welcome and well treated. It was a good experience in my life on all levels - culturally it was very nice. It's a country that wants to develop and host big events, you can see it all over sport. You just have to make sure everyone is going to be safe and enjoy the game - this is what is more important."

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

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