Who would have thought that Nottingham Forest would shake up the current 2024/2025 Premier League season, but under Nuno Esperito, they look set to get stronger and stronger, with a consistency and flair no one could have imagined.
Their winning run stretched to six games with a 3-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers that saw them rise to third in the Premier League. They are now level on points with Arsenal, six points behind leaders Liverpool.
This resurgence under new manager Nuno Espírito Santo has left many wondering: Can Forest go all the way, or will they make the top four or will they buckle under the pressure of the premier League?
A smart move for anyone that familiarise himself with Premier League Betting is to check out the odds for Forest to pick an European slot come the end of the season – which seems like a banker to us.
Now let’s dive into what makes Nuno’s men thick.
A Season of Resurgence
Nottingham Forest’s story this season has been one of strategic recruitment, smart management and an unshakeable team spirit.While Forest have been quite productive in attack, under Nuno Espírito Santo, who was successful with Wolves and Tottenham in the Premier League, they have also been solid at the back. It’s all been about balance, making them one of the most exciting teams in the league.
But their 3-0 win over Wolves was a statement performance, bolstering that their attacking potency and defensive reliability no longer need to be put down.
They proved they can continue their impressive run with another emphatic win thanks to goals from Chris Wood, Morgan Gibbs-White and Taiwo Awoniyi while also keeping a clean sheet, their ninth of the season.
The Key Nottingham Forest Success
It was a masterstroke when Nuno Espírito Santo arrived. The premier league is not really strange to his pragmatic but effective approach, which has established discipline and structure among the team.That allowed Forest to play with a clear identity: a very solid defense followed by a quick and swift counter attack. A further key point has been that he’s been able to get the best out of his players since he took charge.
Chris Wood’s Recent Form
Forest striker Chris Wood has scored 12 league goals. But it’s been his clinical finishing, intelligent movement and physical presence that have all since added to the argument for why he can be considered a top striker in the league and a nightmare for defenders.
Forest, however, would be hard pressed without Wood’s goals, as his goals have been the difference between won or lost games for them.
Impactful Signings
Forest’s transfer strategy has been revolutionary. The club has added players that not only filled holes in the squad, but also players with Premier League experience and youthful energy.
Anthony Elanga brought some wing pace and creativity to the stretching of opposition defenses. Firing in all cylinders and creating chances, is Hudson Odoi who has found his form at crucial times. Also with his current form and technically astute attacking display, Morgan Gibbs-White is already an important player, both on and off the pitch, a great contributor to Nottingham Forest’s impressive form.
They have also enjoyed extra strength in their backline because of their shape and the Nigerian international Ola Aina is currently in the form of his life with his athleticism and tactical awareness being top notch.
These signings have improved the team enough to compete with any Premier League team.
Team Chemistry and Depth
Forest have also felt united as a team on and off the pitch. There is real belief in the squad and each other’s achievements are celebrated. It’s that team spirit that’s allowed them to get around adversity and remain in good form.
Challenges Ahead
The Premier League is a mean unforgiving competition. However, in the second half of the season, Nothingham Forest’s depth, resilience and mental strength will be teste. Here are some challenges they might face:
Fixture Congestion: Later in the season, injuries and suspensions do happen – although such things rarely stretch far into double figures – and the congestion of schedules may have an effect on the squad.
Tough Fixtures: They still have to test themselves against title challengers Liverpool and Arsenal and other traditional top 6 clubs in the next games.
Sustaining Consistency: It will take incredible focus and stamina for Nothingham Forest to continue on this level of performance through a 38 game season.
Possible Outcomes for Forest
An Historic Title Win
The benchmark of underdog success stories is Leicester City’s 2016 triumph. The defensive solidity, in form striker and tactical discipline displayed by the title winning Leicester City are also possessed by this Nottingham Forest team. But they would need to stay in an almost identical form though, and exploit slip ups from Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool, to reenact Leicester’s title winning feat.
A Top-Four Finish
Forest would surely be in the mix for Champions League football. And they are in a position to push for a place in the top four and are up against traditional giants Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City, among others.
A Mid-Season Decline
Form usually takes a dip when faced with Premier League intensity, and underdogs tend to cave in to pressure in the second half of the season. If Forest fail to maintain their form with a run of wins then a top half finish is commendable, but they could find themselves lower down the table if they falter further.
Comparisons to Leicester City
Like Leicester’s title winning season, Nottingham Forest’s impressive form this season has been exactly the same, a solid defense, clinical attacking and an underdog spirit. However, Leicester have benefitted from the more traditional big teams flopping and underperforming and this might not play in Forest’s favour considering Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea are all looking to be strong.
Can Forest Go All the Way?
Football is always unpredictable so, if Nottingham Forest continue to defy all of expectations this year, they could still pull off the unexpected.
While they may still seem some way off winning a Premier League title, they have the tools and momentum to challenge it. They will still keep a top four finish at least within their grasp for now as long as they stay focused and play with that momentum.
Therefore, the Nothingham Forest journey will be one of the most interesting ones for this season. Whether they defy the odds to become the premier league champions, secure Champions League football, or settle for a top-half finish, one thing is certain: Nottingham Forest are back, and they’re staying.
