Nottingham Forest

Pat Riddell
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

It is the season that keeps on giving. Football, not Christmas, that is.

After almost a quarter of a century out of the top flight, Nottingham Forest have got some catching up to do. And they're ticking a lot off the list very quickly this year.

Following September's 1-0 win at Anfield — our first in 55 years — the Reds added to that at the weekend with our first victory at Old Trafford in 30 years.

The 2-1 win that day in 1994 saw Stan Collymore and Bryan Roy lead the line with a goal and an assist respectively. That duo's long-standing status as leading Premier League goal scorers (with 22 and 24 each) was overtaken by Saturday's birthday boy Chris Wood, as the 33-year-old added to his already impressive tally this season.

So what's left for Forest this season? The remarkable third-placed finish in 1994-95 with 77 points is perhaps beyond them. But there were 22 teams competing back then and our current points per game isn't a million miles away. And given that Nuno Espírito Santo's side have nothing to fear at the moment, very little should intimidate them.

The owner Evangelos Marinakis has grand ambitions and as he repeated last week, "nothing is impossible". Mistakes have been made since he took over in 2017 but who doesn't make mistakes? More importantly, lessons were learned and then some. The club now has everyone pulling in the same direction and must have their eyes on other records to be broken this season.

The pace, of course, never lets up in the Premier League and Nuno knows as well as anybody that complacency is the worst thing in football. But he will already be glad of this season's greetings, even if there's still a long way to go. And maybe he's got a few more gifts for supporters to come.

Find more from Pat Riddell at The Famous Club, external

Slobodan Maricic
BBC Serbia

Image source, Getty Images

It all seemed like a blast from the past.

A Serbian defender jumps in the opponent's box at the Old Trafford and puts the ball in the net with a strong header.

No, former Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic did not return to the pitch, but for a brief moment Nottingham Forest defender Nikola Milenkovic strongly reminded of him.

That is why the second minute of the match at the so-called 'Theatre of Dreams' will forever be saved in his mind under the title - the moment when I scored my first Premier League goal.

"I'm happy about the goal, a special moment for me, but the victory comes first", Milenkovic said after the 3-2 victory on Saturday.

The 27-year-old might have been named player of the match but, as he made sure to emphasise, he is "proud of the whole team, how we defended and functioned as a group".

Milenkovic, born in Belgrade and raised at the academy of FC Partizan - one of the two Serbian football giants - arrived in Nottingham this summer from Italian side Fiorentina, where he had spent seven years.

He quickly found his place in the heart of Forest's defence and this has paid off heavily for coach Nuno Espirito Santo. In 15 league games Forest have played this season, they have conceded only 18 times. That makes them one of the best defences, after Liverpool and Arsenal.

As a result, the Serbian media are full of praise for Milenkovic. Some are saying that he spent too much time at Fiorentina, while others are speculating which big club might snatch him if he continues with his level of performances.

In the meantime, Forest continue to be the most pleasant surprise of the Premier League season so far.

Their current fifth-place position has sparked the imagination of fans that the former European Cup champions might soon have their first matches in continental competition for more than 30 years.

Image source, Getty Images

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

Here are some of your comments:

Man Utd fans

Matt: At 3-1 down, I was hoping we would show some fight and character, which never came even after Bruno Fernandes made it 2-3. And for some inexplicable reason we stopped passing the ball to Amad Diallo, our one bright spark! Very frustrating afternoon overall but I can't have too many complaints - Forest deserved the win.

Tim: That performance truly shows this group of players are not capable or able to fathom out new systems, but will truly understand their bank statements. Ruben Amorim has one hell of a task on his hands.

Harris: We keep the ball at the back far too long. The back three holding the ball while slowly walking forwards, endlessly passing sideways or backwards, does not challenge the opposition or get the ball into scoring areas. Possession and hold-up play are all very well - but what has happened to speed and urgency? Forest kept putting the ball into the box quickly where anything can happen. And did. We need to do the same.

Nottingham Forest fans

Dan: Any 'new manager bounce' soon evaporated against a Forest side that reinvigorated itself after a disappointing performance on Wednesday night. We looked organised, disciplined and together. We had little possession but most of the genuine attacking threat. It's not about percentage of possession - it's what you do with it.

Rob: Thought Forest were superior in all areas but a special mention goes to Ryan Yates who goes unnoticed but is so good at breaking up the play. Perhaps not the most skilful of players but so effective at what he does! Come on you Reds.

Callum: Absolutely incredible performance - six points against Liverpool and Manchester United. Last season and in our first season back in the Premier League, we'd lose those sort of games - we have had far too many 3-2 defeats for me to remember. Those last 20 minutes were stressful for fans but the players knew what their roles were and held out brilliantly.

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Nottingham Forest commentator Colin Fray spoke to BBC Radio Nottingham on the importance of Saturday's win at Manchester United: "I think they have re-established a few credentials for those who were beginning to doubt - mainly those nationally who were thinking the first 10 games were a flash in the pan.

"They've come here against some very good players - it is only the third time United have lost here in 13 games this season - Forest have come here and laid another marker down.

"They are back in fifth and have re-established themselves a bit."

Highlights and analysis from Saturday's four 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:

• Crystal Palace 2-2 Man City

• Man Utd 2-3 Nottingham Forest

Image source, Getty Images

Nuno Espirito Santo spoke to BBC Sport after Nottingham Forest's victory against Manchester United: "Not many things to be upset about. the boys did amazing. Scoring in the first action makes everything different. After that we were good.

"The belief of the players believing every action is important [is key to early goals]. The beginning of the second half was very good for us too. Compsure was good. The team is growing, improving. We still have things to address but it's nice.

"A tough time is about trying to get the details right. First half we were organised but allowing United to break to the wide areas. It's about adjusting details.

"It was a big ask for us to come to Manchester three days time after a tough game against City. The consistency of set-pieces gives you success.

"It's very important always to bounce back after a bad result. We didn't have a bad performance against City. Fresh leg made a difference during the game."

On Chris Wood: "He's doing amazing. We're so glad to have him. It's never too late."

Image source, Getty Images

Chris Wood scored his 25th Premier League goal for Nottingham Forest, overtaking Bryan Roy (24) to become their leading goal scorer in the competition.

Since Nuno Espirito Santo's first Premier League game in charge of Nottingham Forest, only Erling Haaland (21) has scored more non penalty goals in the competition than Wood (19 - level with Cole Palmer).

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on United’s performance

What did you make of Forest’s display?

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

Follow reaction and read the match report [add OPPM link]

Four matches make up Saturday's Premier League action after the postponement of the Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool because of adverse weather conditions, and we will bring you every moment.

• Aston Villa v Southampton

• Brentford v Newcastle

• Crystal Palace v Manchester City - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Manchester United v Nottingham Forest - 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 15 he takes on Dougie Payne, bassist with rock band Travis.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

I saw Manchester United's defeat by Arsenal as the easiest prediction of the week, and I was right.

That is not me taking aim at United boss Ruben Amorim, but with what he has to work with, getting anything against the very top teams is going to be really difficult. The magnitude of the job means that he will need months and months to really turn things around.

I don't see this game as being straightforward for United, either. Forest have already won at Anfield this season and they created chances against Manchester City on Wednesday, so I am expecting more of the same from them here.

I am going to be a bit of a coward with my prediction, though. I backed Forest to get something at Etihad Stadium and I was wrong, so I am not brave enough to back them again on their return to Manchester.

I'm disappointed in myself with this prediction, to be honest - although I do think Forest will score this time.

Payne's prediction: 2-1

Forest were the first poster on my wall and I have always had a soft spot for them. They are so entertaining to watch at the moment and of course 'The Wood Chopper' [Chris Wood] has been in unbelievable form, although he did miss a sitter against City.

I just think Ruben Amorim is affecting United already, though. Marcus Rashford looks happier and Bruno Fernandes is going to come into his own.

Read the full predictions and have your say here

Jota Silva has quickly established himself as a Reds cult favourite - but it is only partly down to his giant calf muscles.

The 25-year-old forward's bulging legs, the way he wears his socks low and his hair pushed back with a headband instantly had him labelled as the 'Portuguese Jack Grealish'.

While Jota says he is "proud" to be compared with Manchester City's England international, he tells BBC East Midlands Today that they are very different players.

It is Jota's high energy and creativity that has captivated the City Ground this season.

"It's great that people like me. It leads to me having more belief," he said.

Jota has featured 14 times for the Reds this season and is now looking to establish himself as a regular in Nuno Espirito Santo's XI after starting his first two matches for the club this week.

"He has been patient enough to realise when the chance comes, he has to take it," Nuno said.

Image source, Getty Images

Nuno Espírito Santo is bidding to become just the second Nottingham Forest manager to win both of his first two league games against Manchester United, after Fred Earp in the 1909-10 season.

It might have been a defeat to reigning Premier League champions Manchester City on Wednesday but Nottingham Forest are still seventh.

On the latest episode of BBC Radio Nottingham's Shut Up And Show More Football podcast, Colin Fray and David Jackson discuss that defeat to City, hear from Japanese Forest fan Taku and speak to Steve Hodge about Morato.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo believes Portuguese winger Jota Silva is beginning to show his quality, after taking time to adapt to the Premier League.

The 25-year-old signed for Forest in August from Vitoria and he has been used largely as a substitute, although he made his second Premier League start in Wednesday's loss at Manchester City.

"Since the beginning, all the players need time to adapt to the Premier League," said Nuno in a news conference on Thursday.

"Some of the players we have been careful and others step in straight away. Some need more time.

"Jota was patient. He came on during many games and had a fantastic impact.

"This is the idea we have for the squad. [It is] not just important who starts, let's play the game with all the players.

"He had his chances and I think he did well. We have options and we will decide, but in terms of offensive players and our wingers, I think he is adapting and giving good answers.

"If we can improve the player and the impact he has on the team then we can improve the impact of the team."

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

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Nuno said playing Manchester City and Manchester United in successive games away from home is a "big ask" but added: "We are ready. Let's recover and fight for the game."

• Ruben Amorim's Manchester United side is hard to plan for: "Their results are difficult to predict because Ruben in this moment is changing a lot. I think he is trying to get to know players better. The idea is there, we don't know exactly who is going to play, but for sure they have quality players."

• Despite this, Nuno's primary focus is on his own team and how he wants his side to play at Old Trafford: "They are quality and have talented players. The shape is there. The personnel and the players we cannot identify who is going to start but our approach is always the same. Let's focus on the things they have been doing but also let's look at getting the advantage. It is always a tough place to go but let's focus on being positive on the game."

• On owner Evangelos Marinakis and his vision for the club: "His ambition and desire is to grow and improve. We try to follow, doing the best we can. I think we are in a good way of building a team and a squad and if you look back at the way we kept our players, it was a good moment in terms of stability and now we are trying to grow. We are trying to go game by game because the engine of the club is the team. My focus and dedication is there so we can proceed."

• Nuno saw positives from his side, despite losing 3-0 at City last time out: "We were disappointed about the result but looking at the game, we could challenge ourselves and that was our main idea. It was useful for us, even if it sounds absurd, it was very useful for us going forward."

• The Forest manager wants his team to be more clinical: "We know that we are not going to have many chances but I am positive about it because we reach areas that show the team is producing. Let's try to go again and improve on those areas and be more clinical. Then it will be a different game."

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

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your thoughts after Wednesday's Premier League game between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest.

Here are some of your comments:

Man City fans

Lotfi: Not the best, but there were flashes of the old Man City there. The presence of De Bruyne on the pitch seems to lift the whole squad. Grealish seems to relish his number 10 role, but I'm most happy with the clean sheet.

Brian: A spoonful of Kevin magic and everyone is feeling better. Fast, pacy and aggressive. The De Bruyne belief is back. City can and will build on this. Doku was on fire and Ortega kept a clean sheet. City needed this win. The fans responded to Pep and the players responded to the fans.

David: So much better. De Bruyne was the difference, so much more balanced, still some concern about our defence.

Arry: The start of the charge...

Forest fans

Adam: Showed too much respect. A higher press against a City team on a poor run of form could have got the home nerves jangling. Instead, we sat back and gave away far too much space. Having said that... we had the chances to score three ourselves.

Fosi: Nuno gave City their win by his first-half tactics and team selection. Forest gave no competition in the first half. The second half was better but poor defending again cost us goals. Must sort out defending and tactics or we will be back to struggling.

Kris: Another game where we lacked a threat and didn't trouble them when we did attack. There's no disgrace losing to a team packed with superstars though, even with the run they've been on. Our season won't be defined by games like these and the losing margin wasn't the cricket score it could have been. Focus on the next game and putting it right!

Ted: Poor display again - poor in and out of possession and defensively inept. We gave City far too much room. The one decent chance we had and Wood fluffed it. A night to forget.

Gary Lineker presents highlights and analysis from eight midweek 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:

• Ipswich Town 0-1 Crystal Palace

• Leicester City 3-1 West Ham United

• Newcastle United 3-3 Liverpool

• Arsenal 2-0 Manchester United

• Aston Villa 3-1 Brentford

Image source, Getty Images

Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo, speaking to BBC Sport after the 3-0 loss at Manchester City: "A lot of things didn't work out when you lose. At the same time you can't be unfair and say we didn't play good. We tried, we pressed, we were not clinical with the chances we had."

On if Chris Wood's miss felt key: "Yes and it was pivotal. Chris is a good striker of the ball. Inches from the post, it can change the momentum of the game.

"After that it was a big punch in our stomach and a mountain to climb.

"We had chances. It wasn't to be, let's go for the next one.

"There are positives when you try to challenge yourself and compete against one of the best teams.

"I didn't have doubts of the quality of the [City] players and manager. They started well. We were ready for that. We had moments. There's not much time because in two days' time we're playing again."