These are heady days for Nottingham Forest. The last time they won this many consecutive games in the top division they were champions of Europe.
There is a growing conviction that this current run of results is going to take them back there, spurred further by a 3-0 win against Wolves on Monday Night Football – their sixth successive Premier League victory.
They are doing it their way, averaging two points per game despite having less of the ball than any other team in the Premier League. Or should that be because they have less of the ball than any other team in the Premier League? The masters of the counter-attack.
Their opening two goals at Molineux were scored on the break by Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood. They had just 39.5 per cent of possession too, and fewer shots.
Adding all of the above together, can Nottingham Forest do what few predicted at the start of the season and bring Champions League and European football back to the City Ground? Here’s what some of the key voices have to say…
Gibbs-White: We’re taking it game by game – but CL would be incredible
Nottingham Forest goalscorer Morgan Gibbs-White to Sky Sports:
“It would be absolutely incredible. First and foremost, just for the fans. There would be a few that would be able to experience it twice so be able to give them that opportunity is what we really want to do as a club.
“We believe in it, but we can’t get ahead of ourselves.
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FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from Nottingham Forest’s win against Wolves in the Premier League.
“We’re taking each training session, each opponent as it comes. There’s a lot of belief in the group and with the fans.
“There’s a lot of high expectation from the fans as well and that’s what drives us on. We keep taking it game by game and see where it gets us.
“Tonight [against Wolves] was a tough one. 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 to the boys. We’re deservedly in the position we’re in.”
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Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White discusses his brilliant form and making Thomas Tuchel’s England squad this March
Nuno won’t check table until 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 potential 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. I’m sorry to not answer your direct question, but this is the reality.
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Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo says his side haven’t achieved anything yet, and admits they will stay humble despite their impressive Premier League season so far
“We must prepare well. The FA Cup is important, it’s a good chance for us. As I was saying, in terms of squad, to give minutes to everybody, because it’s going to be a very, very long season.”
When asked when he might have a look at the league table, Nuno replied: “I don’t know, maybe at the end of the season. Probably I’ll take a look.”
Carragher: Forest have great chance for Champions League
Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher on Monday Night Football:
“If they beat Liverpool [in their next Premier League game], then they are in the title race and they’re the only team to beat Liverpool.
“And if the Champions League goes to the top five positions, they have a hell of a chance.
“As a Premier League, we need Nottingham Forest to make the top five if that’s going to be Champions League football.
“It’s the same for Aston Villa, who a few years ago had only been back in the Premier League for a few seasons or so. Forest are the same. It gives hope to so many clubs who are struggling.
“If they can do that, it sends a message to the whole Premier League and supporters that there’s hope there when sometimes that’s all you’ve got.”
What do the stats say?
Nottingham Forest continue to make and break records on their current run of wins:
- Nottingham Forest have won six consecutive Premier League games, the longest winning run (across all teams) in the competition this season.
- It’s the first time Forest have won six successive top-flight matches since May-September 1979 (seven in a row), doing so within a single season for the first time since 1966-67 (two runs of six wins)
- Nottingham Forest sit third in the Premier League, behind Arsenal only on goal difference (level on 40 points each). Of the 70 teams to win 40+ points from their first 20 games in a Premier League campaign (prior to 2024-25), only four have failed to finish inside the top four at the end of the season.
- Nottingham Forest have kept nine clean sheets in the Premier League this season, more than any other side. They’ve kept four successive shut-outs in the top flight for the first time since March 1992 (a run of five).
- Since Nuno Espirito Santo’s first game in charge of Nottingham Forest (December 23, 2023) only Erling Haaland (24) and Alexander Isak (23) have scored more non-penalty goals in the Premier League than Chris Wood (21).
- Nottingham Forest have scored first in 16 of their 20 Premier League games this season, more than any other side (Arsenal and Fulham in 13 games each).