These are difficult days for Nottingham Forest. The last time they won so many games in a row in the top division they were European champions.
There is a growing belief that this current run of results will get them back there, further boosted by a 3-0 win against Wolves on Monday Night Football – their sixth Premier League win in a row.
They are doing it their way, averaging two points per game despite having less possession than any other team in the Premier League. Or should it be because they have less possession than any other team in the Premier League? Masters of the counterattack.
Their opening two goals at Molineux were scored in stoppage time by Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood. They also had just 39.5 percent possession, and fewer shots.
Putting all of the above together, can Nottingham Forest do what few predicted at the start of the season and bring the Champions League and European football back to the City Ground? Here’s what some of the leading voices have to say…
Gibbs-White: We’re taking it game by game – but the CL would be incredible
Nottingham Forest goalscorer Morgan Gibbs-White THE Sky Sports:
“It would be absolutely incredible. First and foremost, just for the fans. There would be some who would be able to experience it twice, so to be able to give them that opportunity is what that we really want to do as a club.
“We believe in him, but we can’t get ahead.
“We are taking each training session, each opponent as it comes. There is a lot of faith in the band and the fans.
“There are a lot of high expectations from the fans as well and this is what pushes us forward. We continue to take it game by game and see where it takes us.
“Tonight (against Wolves) was a tough game. When we had our chances we took them and that’s been the difference with us this season – we’ve been clinical when we need to be. We’re good at managing games now so credit for boys We deserve to be in the position we are in.
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Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White discusses his excellent form and Thomas Tuchel’s England squad this March.
Nuno will not rule the table until the end of the season
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo remained focused on their upcoming game against Luton in the FA Cup when asked about a possible title race.
“We play Luton for the FA Cup at the City Ground, which is huge for us. It’s a good chance for us. Sorry for not answering your direct question, but this is the reality.
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Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo says his side have yet to achieve anything 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 good chance for us. As I said, in terms of the squad, to give everyone minutes because it’s going to be a very, very long.”
When asked when he might take a look at the league table, Nuno replied: “I don’t know, maybe at the end of the season. Maybe I’ll take a look.”
Carragher: Forest have a great chance for the Champions League
Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher IN Monday Night Football:
“If they beat Liverpool (in their next Premier League game) then they are in contention for the title and they are the only team to beat Liverpool.
“And if the Champions League goes to the top five, they have a great chance.
“As the Premier League, we need Nottingham Forest to get into the top five if it’s going to be Champions League football.
“It’s the same for Aston Villa, who a few years ago were only back in the Premier League for a couple of seasons or so. Forest are the same. This gives hope to many struggling clubs.
“If they can do that, it sends a message to the whole Premier League and the fans that there is hope out there when sometimes that’s all you’ve got.”
What do the statistics say?
Nottingham Forest continue to make and break records in their current winning streak:
- Nottingham Forest have won six games in a row in the Premier League, the longest winning streak (across all teams) in the competition this season.
- It is the first time Forest have won six consecutive top-flight games since then May-September 1979 (seven in a row), doing so in a single season for the first time since 1966-67 (two out of six wins)
- Nottingham Forest are third in the Premier League, behind Arsenal only on goal difference (level with 40 points each). Of the 70 teams that have won 40+ points from their first 20 games in a Premier League season (before 2024-25), only four have failed to finish inside the top four at the end of the season.
- Nottingham Forest have kept nine blank sheets in the Premier League this season, more than any other side. They have had four straight major league shutouts for the first time since March 1992 (a streak of five).
- Since Nuno Espirito Santo’s first game in charge from Nottingham Forest (23 December 2023) only Erling Haaland (24) and Alexander Isak (23) have scored more goals without penalties in the Premier League than Chris Wood (21).
- Nottingham Forest have scored the first in 16 of their 20 Premier League games this seasonmore than any other team (Arsenal and Fulham on 13 games each).
