These are difficult times for Nottingham Forest. The last time they won this many consecutive games in the top division, they were European champions.
Confidence is growing that current results will get them there again, and a 3-0 win over Wolves on Monday Night Football gave them further impetus. This is their sixth consecutive win in the Premier League.
Despite having the ball less than any other team in the Premier League, they are doing it their way, averaging two points per game. Or is it because they have the ball less than any other team in the Premier League? A master of counterattacks.
The first two goals for Molineux were scored at the break by Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood. The possession rate was only 39.5% and there were few shots.
Putting all of the above together, will Nottingham Forest be able to do what few expected at the start of the season and bring Champions League and European football back to the City Ground? Some of the leading voices include:
Gibbs-White: We’re taking it game by game, but CL is going to be incredible.
Nottingham Forest goal scorer Morgan Gibbs-White to sky sports:
“It’s going to be incredible. It’s for the fans more than anything. There will be a few people who will get to experience it twice so being able to give them that opportunity is something we really want to do as a club.
“We believe in it, but we can’t get ahead of ourselves.
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WATCH FREE: Highlights from Nottingham Forest’s win over Wolves in the Premier League.
“We take each training session and each opponent as they are. We have a lot of faith in the group and the fans.
“The fans’ expectations are high and that’s what drives us. We just keep playing the game and see what happens.
“Tonight (against Wolves) was a tough game. We took it when we had our chances and that has been the difference for us this season. We were cool-headed when we needed to be. We are good at managing the game now. is in a difficult position.”
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Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White talks about his outstanding performances and joining Thomas Tuchel’s England squad this March.
Nuno won’t check the table until the season ends
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo When asked about a potential title race, he remained focused on the upcoming game against Luton in the FA Cup.
“We play Luton in the FA Cup at the City Ground, which is a big opportunity for us. It’s a great opportunity for us. I’m sorry I can’t answer your direct question, but this is reality.”
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Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo says his side have achieved nothing yet and admits they will remain humble despite their impressive Premier League season so far.
“We have to prepare well. The FA Cup is important, it’s a great opportunity for us. As I said, squad-wise, we have to give everyone time, because it’s going to be a very long season.”
Asked when the league table would be available, Nuno replied: “I don’t know. Probably at the end of the season. We’ll probably have a look.”
Carragher: Forest have a good chance of reaching the Champions League
Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher to monday night football:
“If they beat Liverpool in their next Premier League game, they will be in title contention and the only team capable of beating Liverpool.
“And if they finish in the top five in the Champions League, they have a huge opportunity.
“For the Premier League to get Champions League football, Nottingham Forest need to be in the top five.
“The same goes for Aston Villa, who only came back to the Premier League for a few seasons a few years ago. The same goes for Forest. It gives hope to a lot of clubs who are struggling.
“If they can do that, it sends a message to the whole of the Premier League and to our supporters that there is hope, even when sometimes that is all there is to it.”
What do the statistics say?
Nottingham Forest continue to create and break current successive wins records.
- Nottingham Forest have won six consecutive Premier League games. This is the longest winning streak (among all teams) in the competition this season.
- This is the first time since Forest that the team has won six consecutive first division games. May to September 1979 (7 consecutive times), achieved in a single season for the first time since 1966-67 (2 points, 6 wins)
- Nottingham Forest are third in the Premier League, behind Arsenal only on goal difference (around 40 points each). Of the 70 teams to have scored 40 or more points in the first 20 games of a Premier League campaign (before 2024-25), Only four players were not in the top four at the end of the season.
- Protected by Nottingham Forest 9 clean sheets In the Premier League this season More than any other aspect. They have kept four consecutive clean sheets in the top flight for the first time since March 1992 (five in a row).
- After Nuno Espirito Santo’s first appointment Only Nottingham Forest’s (23 December 2023) Erling Haaland (24) and Alexander Isak (23) have scored more goals without penalties in the Premier League. Chris Wood (21).
- At Nottingham Forest They finished first in 16 of the 20 Premier League games this season.More than any other team (Arsenal and Fulham with 13 games each).
