Nottingham Forest’s turnaround under Nuno Espírito Santo has been nothing short of spectacular. In a matter of months, the club has transformed into a formidable force in the Premier League, currently sitting in an impressive fifth place. With five wins, four draws, and just two losses, they’ve accumulated 19 points, placing them above heavyweights like Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. This surge in form has highlighted the rapid progress Forest have made, and it seems the future is incredibly bright for the Reds under Santo’s leadership.
As a testament to their excellent form, Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood was awarded the Premier League’s Player of the Month for October, while manager Nuno Espírito Santo also earned the Manager of the Month accolade after guiding the team through an unbeaten stretch. Wood’s clinical performances and Nuno’s tactical acumen have been key factors in Forest’s rise, solidifying their position among the Premier League’s top teams.
The key difference between last season and the current campaign for Nottingham Forest has been the significant improvement in their defensive solidity, conceding just ten goals in the first 11 matches—only Arsenal has shipped fewer. Central to this defensive turnaround has been the excellent partnership between Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo, who have formed a reliable duo at the heart of the defense. The £27 million spent on both players looks like an absolute bargain, with their performances playing a crucial role in Forest’s strong start to the season.
The improvement in Nottingham Forest’s defense is a stark contrast to just a couple of seasons ago when the Reds were plagued by defensive struggles, conceding countless goals. Back then, they were often vulnerable at the back, but with the additions of Milenkovic and Murillo, they’ve transformed into one of the toughest defenses in the league. This defensive stability has been a key factor in their current position, showing how far the team has come under Nuno Espírito Santo’s management.
Nottingham Forest’s defense during the 2022/23 season was a significant area of concern despite heavy investment in the squad following their promotion to the Premier League. With the club returning to the top flight after more than two decades, the hierarchy made an effort to strengthen all areas of the team, spending over £150m to give then-manager Steve Cooper the best chance of securing survival.
However, despite the new additions, Forest’s defense struggled throughout the season. The team often looked vulnerable, particularly during key moments, as they conceded numerous goals. While the attacking side of the game saw the likes of Taiwo Awoniyi and Morgan Gibbs-White providing glimpses of quality, the defensive issues were apparent, leaving Forest in a tense battle to avoid relegation.
In the end, it was the team’s ability to stay resilient and make critical adjustments that helped secure their Premier League status, but defensive improvements were clearly needed for the future. Fast forward to the current season, and the contrast is evident, with the Reds now boasting a far more solid backline.
Despite the heavy investment in Nottingham Forest’s squad ahead of their first season back in the Premier League, their defense remained a major issue. The central defensive trio of Scott McKenna, Joe Worrall, and Steve Cook were the primary options early in the campaign. While all three had been crucial in Forest’s promotion-winning season, it quickly became clear that they were not equipped to consistently compete at the level required in the Premier League.
Their struggles at the back were evident as the team conceded too many goals, which undermined their overall performance. While McKenna, Worrall, and Cook had been solid in the Championship, the step-up to the Premier League exposed gaps in their play, particularly in dealing with the higher quality attacking threats in the top flight. This led to Forest’s defensive weaknesses becoming a significant hurdle, and the club eventually sought reinforcements to address this pressing need.
The early weeks of Nottingham Forest’s 2022/23 Premier League campaign were a nightmare for their defense. The Reds conceded six goals against Manchester City and five against Arsenal, leaving them looking completely overwhelmed in their battle for survival. With such a shaky backline, survival in the Premier League seemed a distant hope.
However, the arrival of Felipe from Atlético Madrid in January proved to be a game-changer. His presence in the heart of defense solidified Forest’s backline, and he played a pivotal role in transforming their fortunes. Under Steve Cooper, Forest began to find their rhythm, earning crucial results as they fought to stay in the top flight.
Felipe’s influence was clear, and one of the most significant moments of the season came with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Arsenal at the City Ground. That win was emblematic of the defensive stability Felipe brought, and it was a key result that helped Forest secure their Premier League status for another season.