As Nottingham Forest revel in the glow of their most recent victory, they are certainly turning heads and rekindling memories of their glorious past. Just on the day marking the golden jubilee of Brian Clough’s iconic appointment, Nuno Espirito Santo led his team to a feat that even the legendary Clough never achieved during his storied tenure.
The illustrious history of Clough, featuring promotions, a league title, and back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980, sets the bar incredibly high, one that seems insurmountable for any modern-day manager. Yet, amidst the echoes of the past lies a fresh narrative, as Forest has now secured six consecutive victories in the Premier League for the first time since the days when pop music was dominated by The Beatles.
A decisive 3-0 triumph against Wolverhampton Wanderers last Monday paved the way for Nuno to forge his own path in Forest history and signal that a new wave of success could be on the horizon for the East Midlands club.
As the ‘Tricky Trees’ fanbase dares to believe again, no other team in the Premier League this season, not even the formidable Liverpool, have managed a six-match winning streak. With 37 points accumulated from 19 games, Nottingham Forest is enjoying a remarkable 20-point improvement over the same period from last season. Historically, teams that have had such significant mid-season upturns have gone on to clinch the league title, with Chelsea and Leicester City serving as prime examples.
However, coaxing Nuno into admitting that Forest is in contention for a top-four finish or, heaven forbid, a shot at the title, remains a challenging task. He remains steadfastly focused on the immediate challenges, like their upcoming FA Cup tie against Luton Town and the pivotal clash against league leaders Liverpool next Tuesday—a match that could have considerable implications for the title chase.
Few could have anticipated such a scenario back in August. But should Forest clinch a seventh consecutive win, they would find themselves just three points adrift of Arne Slot’s side, raising ever more exciting possibilities.
While Nuno continues to downplay such aspirations, urging his squad to maintain their focus, the evidence suggests that a potential Champions League spot is firmly within reach. Even as he maintains an air of modesty in his interviews, insisting he will not gaze at the league tables until the season’s end, the excitement is palpable.
“Perhaps at the end of the season, I might take a peek at the table,” Nuno chuckled after the match, reflecting on their impressive form.
Currently, Forest finds itself in an enviable third position, level on 40 points with Arsenal but trailing on goal difference. Of the 70 teams that have hit the 40-point mark within their first 20 games in Premier League history, a staggering 66 have gone on to finish in the top four, solidifying Forest’s credentials.
Eager to capitalize on their momentum, Forest not only matched their own club record of five back-to-back league wins established under Frank Clark in 1995, but they concluded their latest victory in quintessential Forest style. Although Wolverhampton posed threats, with Morgan Gibbs-White silencing former fans early in the game, Forest showcased ruthless efficiency in front of goal. Chris Wood bagged his 12th league goal of the season, while Taiwo Awoniyi, after an extended hiatus, capped the evening with a timely goal.
A key figure in this impressive run has undoubtedly been goalkeeper Matz Sels. The Belgian shot-stopper, who joined from Strasbourg, has quickly risen to prominence, proving essential to the team’s defensive strategy. His dependable saves, alongside the rock-solid performances of Nikola Milenkovic, Murillo, and the impactful substitute Morato, have formed the backbone of Forest’s resurgence.
Wolves fans would have found the match eerily reminiscent of Nottingham’s previous encounters, particularly the brand of football Nuno perfected during his time at Molineux. The former Wolves boss encapsulated a blueprint that delivered European competition for his previous side.
Meanwhile, England’s newly appointed manager, Thomas Tuchel, could scarcely ignore the talents on display, with Gibbs-White and wingers like Callum Hudson-Odoi catching his keen eye. Elliot Anderson’s stirring performance may just earn him a shot at international duties sooner than expected.
As the fairy tale continues for Nuno and Nottingham Forest, each passing week brings fresh milestones and invigorates the memory of past glories.
In Nuno’s own words, reflecting on the significance of his victory on such a notable anniversary, he said, “It means a lot for us because Brian Clough is a legend. You can see it all over Nottingham, in our stadium and in our training ground, references to Brian Clough. That can only inspire us. But we must keep pushing forward. Our joy hinges on how the players gel on the pitch together; that is what brings us pride and happiness.”
As the victories add up, Nuno’s stature within this basketball-crazed city continues to grow, defying comparisons yet echoing the indomitable spirit Clough once embodied.
