Nottingham Forest extended their incredible run of form in the Premier League with a dominant 3-0 victory over Wolves on Monday night, marking their sixth consecutive league win. The result, built on goals from Morgan Gibbs-White, Chris Wood, and Taiwo Awoniyi, underlines Forest’s emergence as a force to be reckoned with this season under the guidance of manager Nuno Espírito Santo. Even a controversial VAR call, which prompted a rare mid-game statement from the Premier League, could not derail their momentum as they cruised to another impressive result.
Chris Wood: The Unsung Hero Leading the Line
At the heart of Forest’s success has been the resurgence of Chris Wood, a player whose recent performances have defied expectations. The 33-year-old striker has been in remarkable form, once again finding the back of the net against Wolves. His goal brought him within touching distance of last season’s tally of 14 Premier League goals, and he looks set to surpass that mark with ease.
Wood’s contributions go far beyond scoring. His ability to read the game, drop deep to link play, and provide a physical presence in both penalty areas has made him invaluable to the team. Former striker Dean Ashton, speaking on TalkSPORT, lauded Wood’s performances, drawing parallels to the traditional centre-forwards of yesteryear. Ashton noted, “Oh, it’s absolutely magnificent. Especially for me, who was a big lump of a centre-forward, I love watching Chris Wood. He kind of watches the action around him and then just pops up in the box and taps one in. He’s been brilliant.”
Despite his reputation as a poacher, Wood’s all-around game has been key for Forest this season. Much like Harry Kane’s role for England, Wood doesn’t simply wait for service in the box; instead, he actively contributes by dropping into deeper areas to initiate attacks and help defensively when needed. His tireless work rate and knack for being in the right place at the right time have proven instrumental in Forest’s rise up the table.
Morgan Gibbs-White: A Star in the Making
Morgan Gibbs-White delivered another standout performance, dictating the tempo of the game and showcasing his exceptional technical ability. The former Wolves man, who joined Forest in 2022, has become one of the team’s key creative outlets, consistently finding ways to unlock stubborn defenses. His performance on Monday night drew praise from Jamie Carragher, who highlighted the midfielder’s growing influence in Forest’s success.
Gibbs-White’s vision, quick feet, and composure on the ball make him a constant threat in the final third. Against Wolves, he not only scored but also played a pivotal role in orchestrating Forest’s attacking moves. His ability to balance flair with tactical discipline has made him a crucial cog in Nuno Espírito Santo’s system.
Taiwo Awoniyi and the Supporting Cast
Taiwo Awoniyi also got on the scoresheet, continuing his fine season and providing Forest with a dynamic option alongside Wood. Awoniyi’s pace, strength, and clinical finishing offer a perfect complement to Wood’s hold-up play, making Forest’s attack one of the most balanced in the league.
Behind them, Forest’s midfield and defense deserve immense credit for their consistency and work ethic. Players like Orel Mangala and Scott McKenna have quietly gone about their business, ensuring the team remains solid and hard to break down.
Nuno Espírito Santo: The Mastermind Behind the Revival
Much of Nottingham Forest’s success this season can be attributed to the managerial prowess of Nuno Espírito Santo. The Portuguese tactician has brought a clear vision and structure to the team, instilling a winning mentality that has transformed Forest into genuine contenders for European football.
Despite their stunning form, Nuno has remained humble, insisting that he’s not paying attention to the league table. However, the results speak for themselves. Forest’s ability to adapt tactically, maintain defensive solidity, and execute their attacking plans has made them one of the most formidable teams in the league. The six-game winning streak has catapulted them into contention for a top-six finish, a prospect that seemed unthinkable at the start of the season.
Controversial VAR Call Fails to Derail Momentum
The victory over Wolves wasn’t without drama, as a contentious VAR decision threatened to overshadow the game. The incident prompted an unusual mid-game statement from the Premier League, acknowledging the controversy. However, Forest’s players remained unfazed, maintaining their composure and focus to secure a convincing win.
The Road Ahead
As Forest continue their remarkable campaign, the focus will now shift to sustaining this level of performance over the remainder of the season. With key players like Chris Wood and Morgan Gibbs-White in top form and Nuno Espírito Santo pulling the strings from the touchline, there is every reason to believe Forest can achieve something special this year.
European qualification is no longer a dream but a realistic target for this ambitious side. If they can maintain their momentum and navigate the challenges of a long season, Nottingham Forest may well find themselves in continental competition next season—a testament to the incredible progress they have made under Nuno Espírito Santo.