NafisaNuno Espírito Santo’s Nottingham Forest: A Premier League Force on the Road
Nuno Espírito Santo has transformed Nottingham Forest into one of the Premier League’s most formidable sides this season, with their stellar away form playing a pivotal role in their success. Forest’s dramatic victory over Aston Villa, courtesy of Anthony Elanga’s stoppage-time strike, propelled them into the top four, a remarkable achievement ahead of Saturday’s challenging trip to Brentford.
While the Villa triumph was impressive, it’s Forest’s ability to secure vital away wins that has truly set them apart from the pack chasing European football. A narrow but crucial victory at Manchester United followed by their triumph at Villa Park—and an earlier upset over Liverpool at Anfield—underscores how Espírito Santo’s men can give even the league’s elite a tough afternoon on their travels.
Their next challenge is a visit to Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium. Brentford manager Thomas Frank, a man known for his tactical acumen, is fully aware of the threats Forest pose. Among those threats is one man in scintillating form: Chris Wood.
Frank Highlights Chris Wood as a Key Forest Danger
In his pre-match press conference, Frank was quick to praise the Kiwi forward, who has become central to Nottingham Forest’s attacking efforts this season.
“Chris Wood is playing probably some of the best football of his life,” Frank told Brentford’s official website. “He looks fantastic so far this season. Well done to Chris Wood and well done to Nuno [Espírito Santo] for getting him in top form. He’s not just an experienced player but also an experienced finisher. He’s clever, calm, and composed.”
Wood has been instrumental in Forest’s recent successes. He found the net against Manchester United and grabbed a crucial equaliser in a hard-fought draw with Chelsea. His performances have even drawn comparisons to England captain Harry Kane from former Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman.
Frank added: “He leads the team, and I like what I see from him, but I hope we can keep him quiet on Saturday.”
However, Brentford’s boss knows that stopping Wood alone won’t be enough. Nottingham Forest’s tactical discipline and defensive solidity make them a dangerous proposition for any side in the league.
Nottingham Forest’s Tactical Prowess Worries Brentford
Frank continued to elaborate on the challenges posed by Espírito Santo’s team.
“We know it will be difficult,” he said. “We’re facing an incredibly good team, and they’ve been unbelievable this season so far. They went to Anfield—a difficult place—and beat Liverpool. They went to Old Trafford—another difficult place—and beat Manchester United.
“They’re very good at what they do. They sit a little bit lower and press high in spells. They defend unbelievably well in open play and set-pieces, and they are such a threat on counters.”
Brentford’s defensive frailties this season add to Frank’s concerns. The Bees have the fifth-highest expected goals against (xG) in the league at 28.1 and concede an average of 1.9 goals per game. Their goalkeeper, Mark Flekken, has made more saves per match than any other Premier League shot-stopper—a testament to the pressure Brentford’s backline has faced.
If Nottingham Forest can exploit these weaknesses and create chances for the in-form Wood and their other attacking threats, there’s every chance they could return to the City Ground with another three points.
Nafisa
