Sport

Nottingham Forest must be taken seriously this season

Nottingham Forest have hardly been quiet since their return to the Premier League two years ago, but neither has it felt like there was a strong sense of purpose or direction about them. On the early evidence of this season, though, that has changed.

The scattergun approach to their maiden summer transfer business in the top flight – signing 24 players – meant it was hard for then manager Steve Cooper to find his best team. It was ultimately no surprise when Cooper was sacked and replaced by Nuno Espirito Santo in December last year, albeit the decision was met by sadness and frustration from Forest fans.

They narrowly avoided relegation for the second time last season, despite a points deduction after a breach of Profit and Sustainability Rules. Not much had been expected of them this season, but a combination of longer-term signings like Brazilian defender Murillo, who is said to be on the radar of Europe’s biggest clubs, and former Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, plus strong new recruits like Nikola Milenkovic coming to the fore. The Serbian arrived from Fiorentina and looks an incredible pick up as another player courted by Champions League sides.

With him and Murillo at the back, it has given Forest a strong base from which to build. They are effective out wide with Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga’s pace and direct running, and the creativity of Morgan Gibbs-White, who may have suffered an injury in the draw at Chelsea on Sunday, casting his participation in the upcoming England camp into doubt. Chris Wood, a veteran striker who is something of a Premier League journeyman, is making the striking berth his own ahead of Taiwo Awoniyi.

Forest’s form has led to a top half position in the league in the opening seven games. They were somewhat unlucky not to win the game at Stamford Bridge late on, and their performance was no flash in the pan, after a win at Liverpool earlier in the season.

“The full game was a very good game with both teams trying. We played and created,” Esperito Santo told BBC Sport after the game.

“The second half was very good for the spectators. We controlled the game well. There is no other way to play against big teams, if you don’t unite then it’s difficult.

“We blocked the middle of the park and dealt well with one v ones out wide. The game was stretched, we had a good chance and then Chelsea had a good chance.

“The goalkeepers were great at both ends.”

Forest being difficult to break down and get in behind, as they showed so well on Sunday, allows them to be more creative and take risks in attack. Suddenly, having been predicted to struggle by many before the campaign began.

This start has probably come as a surprise to many. But it has been rather understated and consistent, as if it has longevity; the manner of their results at Liverpool and Chelsea didn’t feel like upsets, they felt like a team that has grown, found its feet and is heading somewhere.

It is not too dissimilar to Fulham, who are also looking impressive in the early stages. For years, they were a yo-yo club, unable to compete in the top flight. But since Marco Silva arrived, they’ve stabilised. Forest will hope Espírito Santo can have the same impact for them.

It is still early and therefore difficult to make sweeping statements over their prospects. But it feels like something is brewing at the City Ground. After a few years of finding their feet at this level, they look like they could thrive.

There is obvious European pedigree at Forest; they won the European Cup – now the Champions League – in 1979 and 1980. There will be dreams that something close to those days could be returning.

That is a long way off from now. But Forest deserves respect and must be taken seriously.