Former manager Mark Warburton talks to The Football News Show about how managers can deal with mental health struggles while working at a club and what support there is available to them.
Nat Hayward
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesNottingham Forest's transition from new arrivals hoping to avoid relegation into an established Premier League outfit is gaining momentum.
After 16th and 17th-placed finishes since their return to the top flight in 2022 - the latter made more nervy by a four-point deduction for breaching financial rules - Nuno Espirito Santo's side are in the top half after seven games.
The foundation for this positive start has been their impressive defence.
At full-back, Ola Aina has finally found consistency and fitness, while Alex Moreno has largely impressed since his loan move from Aston Villa.
In central defence, the arrival of Nikola Milenkovic to partner the revelatory Murillo has added aerial presence. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Matz Sels was inspired during the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on Sunday and has conceded just six goals all season. Only league leaders Liverpool have let in fewer than Forest with Sels the only keeper to keep a clean sheet against Arne Slot's side.
Forest's defence is solid, making only two errors leading to an opposition shot - and that is the joint lowest in the league.
They have made 125 tackles so far this season, joint 10th, which shows they do not dive in despite giving up possession.
They also do not play the ball unnecessarily around the defence, having the fifth-lowest touches in their defensive third [1,209], the third-lowest short passes - between five and 15 yards - completed [1,001] and having made the second-most clearances [198] in the division so far.
At Anfield, quick transitions from their compact defensive unit stood out, with pacy wingers Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga coming off the bench to supply the winning goal on the counter attack.
This form is no fluke. Only Liverpool, Tottenham, Fulham and Manchester City have recorded fewer expected goals against so far this campaign than Nuno's team.
After all, this is a manager who guided Wolves to consecutive seventh-placed Premier League finishes on solid defensive foundations.
Forest supporters could be forgiven for looking up the table rather than down - and possibly at their defence rather than attack as a means by which to climb it.
*All stats provided by Opta
Image source, Getty ImagesNottingham Forest may not statistically be the best team defensively but their record should be admired and that is why they are up there.
Nuno is definitely shaping his team in that image because you have to be good defensively to have a chance.
Years ago the critique around him was, 'they don't score enough goals whichever team he has', but Nuno knows the importance of a good foundation. What makes it more dangerous is that they are very hard to break down, so they almost encourage you to over-commit. The moment you over-commit is when you see their wingers and forwards really pop up the pitch and have a huge impact.
They will not pass you to death, but they will make you play the game that they want you to play.
With this Forest side, at times players will respect it but not in the same way they might respect it if it was a bigger-name team, so they will still believe they can just go and take it to them. However, as we have seen, some teams have been really stunned by that.
Some wins in football happen and they age really well. Forest beating Liverpool at Anfield is arguably the biggest result of the whole season because we have seen the Reds under Arne Slot win every game apart from that one since he took over.
That performance summed up how good their defensive structure and their attacking intent can be and why they should not be underestimated this season.
There is potential they will be a thorn in the side of top teams this campaign. For the way football works, you obviously have good teams but what is key is the way styles match up against each other.
Forest's style - being comfortable not having possession at times but still maintaining an element of threat - that is the type of strategy you need against the sides who want to keep lots of possession.
So even though there is a chance you might lose to these teams, you will never offer up an easy game.
Nuno's side could be a really significant part of how the Premier League's top six or seven looks this year.
And, with some good fortune, they may be a top half team themselves.
Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked you to tell us one thing that is going under the radar at Nottingham Forest at the moment.
Here are some of your comments:
Danny: We should be talking more about Ryan Yates. You can tell how well Forest have done in a game by how much hate he gets from opposition fans after 90 minutes. Yatesy can single-handedly stop the other team playing. He draws more fouls than anyone else, as well as fouling more than anyone else - all with a grin on his face. He's the master of 'housery.'
James: Yatesy is so good and underrated. The beating heart of the team - he'll battle, scrap and work for everything, setting the tone for the whole team from the centre of the park. Playing against him must be a nightmare.
Kris: Forest are a different proposition this season, if feels like the team have finally grown into the Premier League. One player who’s surprised me, and who doesn’t get enough credit, is Ryan Yates. England have needed a player like him for a while and maybe Lee Carsley will be brave enough to give him the chance he deserves?
Stewart: Chris Wood needs to be seen for what he is, a top-flight striker. One of the top half dozen last season when you look at all the important stats. The goal he scored at the weekend was actually started by him receiving the goal kick, holding it up and laying it off. Be happy, Forest fans.
Paul: Forest have the second best defence in the Premier League (equal with Arsenal) with only six goals conceded. Now we have locked the door at the back we need to be pushing on and scoring more goals. We have scored as many goals as Man Utd (that is BAD!).
Franko: As positive as the start has been, the points total is probably what we would have hoped for from Wolves, Bournemouth and Fulham at home and Southampton away. We didn't win any of those home games. A big improvement overall but let's hope for a home win before the big boys come to town!
Pat Riddell
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesLast season, Nottingham Forest's defensive record was their soft underbelly. Despite having several outstanding players across the back four, we shipped goals - often from set-pieces - that seriously undermined our league position.
This time around, match reports increasingly refer to the Reds having the Premier League's second-meanest defence, after only Liverpool and equal to Arsenal, with just six goals conceded in seven games.
Matz Sels deserves all the plaudits after his performance against Chelsea. World-class save after world-class save was only matched by his opposite number, Robert Sanchez.
And while Sels has, at times, not been regarded as Forest's long-term solution in goal, he has made a huge difference since replacing both Matt Turner and Odysseas Vlachodimos between the posts.
But the addition of Nikola Milenkovic solved one of the Reds' most obvious deficiencies in defence: height. The 6ft 4in centre-back won more aerial duels than most other defenders in Europe last season, and that alone has solved part of our problem.
Yet his assist for Chris Wood's goal on Sunday proves his value at the other end of the pitch, partly addressing our weakness at set-pieces in both penalty areas.
Height, of course, is not his only value. His partnership with Murillo has flourished, he reads the game well and the midfield are very much playing their part in shielding the back four.
The commitment, resolve and determination across the starting XI is obvious from kick-off. The organisation and understanding to close down attacks, win second balls and get behind the ball when necessary is a team effort and one that is serving us very well this season.
It has been a balancing act for Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, and Nuno Espirito Santo is still finding the line.
But a stingy defence and some serious attacking flair is proving many pundits wrong.
Find more from Pat Riddell at The Famous Club, external
Image source, Getty ImagesA VAR related question was put to chief football writer Phil McNulty on Monday's Q&A.
@nubiblue on 'X' asked: Is the new improved VAR working? To me it continues to favour certain clubs.
Phil answered: First of all, I don't believe VAR favours certain clubs and quite honestly, I've not noticed too much difference or huge improvement.
Maybe a little less interference but I confess I lost a lot of faith in VAR after initially being a strong advocate.
I would be happy with semi-automated offside and line technology.
When it comes to Nottingham Forest, what is the one thing nobody is talking about - good or bad - but should be?
Image source, Getty ImagesA Nottingham Forest related question was put to chief football writer Phil McNulty in Monday's Q&A.
Karl asked: Hi Phil. I wanted to ask, after seven games and with 10 points already on the board, do you think that Nottingham Forest are now a force to be wary of?
Phil answered: Hello, Karl. I certainly think Forest look vastly improved on last season and to win away at Liverpool, then get a very creditable draw at Chelsea illustrates that. Nuno Espirito Santo has had time to work with the team after arriving last season and the signs are there that Forest are playing in a way he liked to employ at Wolves. Namely; solid in defence, pace on the flanks and dangerous on the counter attack. It has been a really good start.
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Chelsea and Nottingham Forest.
Here are some of your comments:
Chelsea fans
Pete: There will be a few complaining that Chelsea still don’t know how to break down low blocks, but Forest beat Liverpool, currently top, at their own ground just weeks ago. And a year or so ago we would have lost this fixture. Progress…
Alan: It was dull. We seem to have a couple of good games and then relax and struggle. Any decent manager would take his defence to one side on Monday and give them an ultimatum, shape up or there's the door. Nothing seems to change. Four players playing four individual games with not one leader between them. Never mind, it may or may not eventually come together.
Stu: Think we would've lost that last season. We are showing more fight and togetherness but need to learn how to break teams down that come to us and sit deep. Fernandez is a worry for me, he does nothing but earns a place in the team every week. A higher power at play?
Beno: Too many yellow cards which will come back to bite us when we play Liverpool. Jackson was rubbish. Noni needs to get his head up in the final third. Too much glory seeking and not enough team ethic from him in midfield in my opinion. Over all a very frustrating afternoon.
Forest fans
Bogey: Forest are a team developing and building. They are loving playing their football. It’s not just a job - they enjoy playing however hard the game. As a fan that’s nice to see. So, trust in Nuno and the team.
Andy: Huge point. Sels has had doubters, and maybe he could have (not should have) saved their goal, but he put all recent criticism to bed by stepping up in key moments. Neither keeper deserved to lose. If we can win at home then Forest will be more than comfortable this season.
Tom: Forest are genuinely looking like nobody's mugs. Nuno is doing a brilliant job, built on security at the back that'd make Cloughie proud. They've more than held on with 10 men on two occasions this year, and look in the right company in the Premier League. Today was a proud day for Forest. Well done lads!
Kris: What a finish! Nail biting stuff at the end, but we kept playing and could have won it with efforts from Williams and Jota. Even going down to 10 and losing Gibbs-White didn’t faze us too much. Chelsea pressed once they had the player advantage but in the end Sanchez was their saviour. You Reds!
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer England full-back Stephen Warnock believes Nottingham Forest's "pace in attack" and being "defensively sound" has helped them to a good start in the Premier League this season.
The Reds have recorded two wins, four draws and just one loss in seven games so far, with their latest result being a 1-1 draw at Chelsea.
Speaking on Match of the Day 2, Warnock said: "When you think back to the start of the season, a lot of people said that they would be in a relegation fight.
"But when you take into consideration that they have Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi - they have got real pace in attack and they can hurt you.
"Chris Wood is outstanding. It's not just his goals, he is a focal point for this team. He holds the ball up and takes pressure off the team.
"Nikola Milenkovic has made them more steady at the back as well, so they can absorb more pressure.
"So, when a team knows they are defensively sound and they have that pace in attack, they will be quite happy to sit in and then hit their opposition at the right time. They have been really clinical."
Highlights and analysis from Sunday's three Premier League fixtures, plus the best of the action from the rest of the weekend.
If you missed Match of the Day 2, catch up now on BBC iPlayer.
And you can watch Saturday's Match of the Day here.
Listen back to the weekend's full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:
Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesNottingham Forest have taken a huge leap forward under Nuno Espirito Santo this season.
That 90 minutes could be painted as an example of everything the Premier League should be - as Forest competed manfully, physically and with incredible tactical nuance at Stamford Bridge.
They were previously seen as a low block, defensive team under Steve Cooper - and in the first season under the Portuguese - but they are now able to retain possession and press higher up the pitch, while still sitting off teams when needed.
There has been an evolution that has taken them to one of the best defensive records in the league - conceding fewer than Manchester City, with their rearguard action crucial to this result.
The one-on-one defending of Ola Aina was exceptional, the two centre-backs Milenkovic and Murilo are two of the most physically imposing in the league and Sels has solved the goalkeeping problems since promotion.
Between them, they managed to handle Ward-Prowse's red card in a masterclass of defending, wasting time and counter-attacking football that led to Williams and Jota Silva going close.
Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?
Have your say on Chelsea's performance, external
What did you make of Forest’s display?, external
Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies
There are three matches in the Premier League on Sunday and we will bring you every moment.
Aston Villa v Man Utd - 14:00 (listen live on BBC Radio 5 Live)
Chelsea v Nottingham Forest - 14:00
Brighton v Tottenham - 16:30 (listen live on BBC Radio 5 Live)
All kick-off times BST
Image source, Getty ImagesChris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches this season, against a variety of guests.
For week seven, he takes on Will Champion and Jonny Buckland from Coldplay, whose latest album, Moon Music, came out on Friday.
Sutton's prediction: 2-1
Chelsea are a lot easier to predict this season. I am not getting their scores right, but I am having much more joy with their results.
Being a former Chelsea player, I obviously have that connection with the current players, the same way I linked up so well with the Chelsea team I played for.
Unfortunately, I am not doing too well with Nottingham Forest this time. They drew me in, to make me believe they would get something against Fulham last week, and let me down badly.
I am not getting sucked in again. Cole Palmer, who will go down as 'the one that Manchester City let get away', is on fire at the moment, and it is as if he has got eyes in the back of his head.
I absolutely love watching him play because everything is so easy for him, and it feels like he is going to score every time he plays.
Forest will probably nick a goal, because I am not convinced with how Chelsea defend, but this is definitely a home win - I am sure of it.
Will and Jonny's prediction: 1-1
Read the rest of their predictions, and have your own say here
Chris Collinson
BBC Sport statistician
There can often be a lot of focus on distances covered and sprints made by teams, but how much of a difference does it really make to their success?
When it comes to distance covered by teams it is the 'battle of the B's' with Bournemouth, Brighton and Brentford having covered the most ground in the Premier League so far this season.
At the other end of the scale, bottom side Wolves have run the least so far - 5km fewer than any other side.
Initially, I thought this could be due to how difficult their start has been (i.e. sitting deep and not rushing out against top opponents), but they actually rank mid-table in pressing stats (with no players missing via red cards either).
But, it is worth noting that running a lot does not necessarily equal success.
Nottingham Forest, Fulham, Chelsea and Aston Villa have also been the 'laziest' teams so far yet have started the season well.
It is a similar story when it comes to sprints too - some good teams sprint a lot, some good teams sprint little.
Tottenham have made the most sprints in the Premier League this campaign, followed by fellow high-pressers Liverpool and Bournemouth.
But defending champions Manchester City have made the least – 60 fewer than any other team – and yet they have been pretty good so far too.
Looking at which teams have made the most sprints – Spurs, Liverpool, Chelsea – and which the fewest – City, Arsenal, Villa – it suggests that playing style plays a part in how much a team sprints as well as just work rate.
Ben Ramsdale
BBC Sport journalist
Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Chelsea (kick-off 14:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Nuno confirmed both Danilo and Ibrahim Sangare will be out for the trip to Chelsea.
On FA charges for Evangelos Marinakis: "I'm not aware of the situation. I'm aware of the charge but I don't know many details about it."
On Morgan Gibbs-White's return from suspension: "It's very important to have him back - he's a very special player for us. [With] his talent, the team relies on him to produce things. I'm happy for him to have been called up [to England] again."
On the team's defensive strength with only five goals conceded so far this season: "It's always important, no matter who your opponent. You have to realise what strengths they have and how to control them. The team has been solid and compact but it's about teamwork. [It is] not only the defensive line and midfield, it starts with pressure from the front. It's going to be very important against Chelsea because they have good players and play good football."
On the balance of his side: "That's the big issue in football, finding the balance and what works in both boxes. We are producing a lot but we should be more clinical. I believe that we are going to improve."
He said the team "cannot ignore" Chelsea's Cole Palmer but insisted that the Forest game plan is not based on trying to stop one player.
Nuno dismissed questions on VAR: "We are trying to ignore it. For now, it is not an issue for us and let's try and keep it this way. We are always expecting the referees and VAR to make the better decisions for the game. This is our message and this is how we approach for now."
Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news
Image source, Getty ImagesOn Sunday, Nottingham Forest face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge - the ground where Anthony Elanga scored his first goal for Forest in a 1-0 win last season.
The Sweden international is excited about returning to that corner of London and believes Forest can pull off a similar result.
"Hopefully we can go there, just be brave and believe we can go there and win," he told BBC Radio Nottingham's Shut Up And Show More Football podcast. "I feel like we've got the players to do so.
"We respect Chelsea - they've had a great start to their season, but it's important we stick to what we know best and try to play our game. Hopefully, we can get three points."
Forest started the campaign by going five Premier League games without defeat, before losing to Fulham at the City Ground last time out.
However, Nuno's side remain unbeaten away from home and, as well as showing improved form on the road this term, they have been much more difficult to score against - only Liverpool (two) have conceded fewer than Forest in the opening weeks of the campaign.
"It's been a fairly good start to the season," Elanga added. "We've had a few games where we could have finished teams off but it's still early doors, we've still got so many more games to go and I feel like we're on a good path.
"We've done well with clean sheets so far but we can do even better. We're not the finished article - we can always improve and I feel like we will.
"We're attacking together and defending well together. The biggest game that showed that was at Liverpool [where Forest won 1-0]. We defended well and then myself and Callum [Hudson-Odoi] came off the bench and created a goal."
Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds
