Nottingham Forest are enjoying an unexpected Premier League renaissance, now sitting in third place—their highest position in 26 years—after overcoming last season’s close brush with relegation.
Ahead of their upcoming match against Newcastle, Nottingham Forest have claimed three consecutive league wins for the first time since 1999. This impressive streak includes a crucial victory over Liverpool, the only loss inflicted on the current league leaders this season.
Under manager Nuno Espirito Santo’s guidance, Nottingham Forest defied sceptics questioning his appointment in December. Nuno, who returned to the Premier League after winning the title with Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, has handled the pressure from Forest’s demanding owner Evangelos Marinakis, even amidst Marinakis’s recent five-game ban following a dispute with officials.
Key to Forest’s climb has been the stellar form of New Zealand striker Chris Wood, who leads the club’s scoring tally with eight goals this season. In defence, the addition of Nikola Milenkovic has reinforced Forest’s backline alongside Murillo, and goalkeeper Matz Sels has matched the league’s best in clean sheets.
Though Forest are far from reviving the glory days of the Brian Clough era, their resurgence has fans daring to dream of a return to European competition for the first time since the 1995-96 season. However, their journey faces significant tests ahead, with upcoming matches against Arsenal, Manchester City, and Manchester United looming before the year’s end.
“We have to stay humble and keep improving,” said Nuno. “Ambition is good, but there’s still much to achieve.” For long-suffering City Ground fans, though, this season already feels like a refreshing chapter in their club’s storied history.