Chris Wood’s remarkable form at Nottingham Forest this season has not only been pivotal to their ambitions for European football but also a testament to his resilience, determination, and ability to silence critics who had written him off. Following a somewhat disappointing stint at Newcastle United, where his performances were often questioned, Wood’s revival at Forest has been nothing short of sensational. The striker’s performances have helped propel Forest back into contention for a spot in the prestigious Champions League for next season, after a period of uncertainty when doubts started creeping in due to successive defeats to Aston Villa and Everton.
The match against Tottenham, which ended in a vital 2-1 win, was a turning point in Forest’s season and an embodiment of their unwavering spirit. It was in this game that Wood played a crucial role, scoring a pivotal goal to help his team recover from a rocky patch and stay on track in the race for Champions League qualification. The win over Tottenham was particularly important for Forest’s ambitions, as they had been under intense scrutiny after losing to Everton, with some pundits, including Ben Foster, doubting whether Forest had the “minerals” to sustain their push for the top four. Foster, after the Everton defeat, had even suggested that Forest’s chances of securing European football had all but vanished, but true to form, Steve Cooper’s side rammed those claims right back down the throats of their critics, showing they still had plenty of fight left in them.
The goals in the Tottenham match came from two key players: Chris Wood and Elliot Anderson. While Anderson’s contribution was important, it was Wood who once again demonstrated his invaluable worth to Forest. His goal against Tottenham marked his return to the scoresheet after a brief goal-scoring drought that had extended back to March, when he scored a hat-trick against Brighton in a 7-0 win. That hat-trick seemed to be the high point of his season, but his performance against Tottenham showed that he wasn’t finished yet. This goal not only revitalized his personal form but also gave Forest a huge boost in their bid for European glory.
The spotlight on Chris Wood has intensified, with many experts and former footballers now admiring the striker’s performances. Micah Richards, appearing on The Rest is Football podcast, was full of praise for Wood’s contributions to Forest’s season. He expressed how astounded he was by the 33-year-old’s form, noting that Wood had been written off by many after his struggles at Newcastle. “Can we just have a moment to talk about Chris Wood? He’s been unbelievable. Seriously,” Richards said. “He’s been written off, he went to Newcastle, didn’t work out for him, but his mentality to overcome that and actually prove himself as more than just a big striker up there is incredible. His movement is excellent, he holds up the ball really well, his little touches around the corner are great. To score 19 goals in the Premier League with a team that plays like Forest do, he’s been ridiculously good.”
Richards’ comments highlighted Wood’s ability to overcome adversity, showing the mental strength and maturity that has enabled him to shine at Forest. It was this mentality that led him to prove his worth, not just as a target man but as a highly skilled striker capable of much more than holding up the ball and scoring tap-ins. His ability to link up play, make intelligent runs, and provide leadership on the field has been a major asset to Forest. He has become one of their most reliable performers, and his presence in the attack has allowed players like Anderson and others to flourish around him.
Alan Shearer, who knows Chris Wood well from his time at Newcastle, echoed Richards’ sentiments. The Premier League’s all-time top scorer admitted that he didn’t foresee Wood’s resurgence at Forest, but now he has nothing but admiration for his performances. Shearer said, “Absolutely outstanding. I totally agree. I didn’t see that coming for him at Forest, but total respect to him and he’s been unbelievable, as have Forest this season for most of the campaign.” Shearer’s respect for Wood is significant given his own legendary career in the Premier League, and his acknowledgment of Wood’s exceptional form adds further weight to the striker’s impressive turnaround.
The statistics tell a story of their own. Chris Wood has scored 19 goals in the Premier League so far in the 2024/25 season, a remarkable tally for any player, let alone one playing for a team like Forest, which has historically not been a major attacking force in the league. His performances have allowed Forest to remain in the hunt for a European spot, and his consistent goal-scoring ability has made him one of the most valuable players in the team. His goal against Tottenham was especially significant, as it marked the end of a rare dry spell that had lasted since March. Despite his previous success, the pressure had mounted, and many began to wonder if he could maintain his form. However, Wood’s response was typical of a player with a strong mentality: he proved his critics wrong once again.
What makes Wood’s achievements this season even more remarkable is the fact that his performances have come despite the challenges of playing for a team like Forest, which, while improved, is not yet among the Premier League’s top sides. Forest’s style of play is not always conducive to producing high-scoring strikers, but Wood’s ability to adapt and thrive within their system has been key to his success. His movement, hold-up play, and finishing ability have been exceptional, and his link-up with players like Anderson, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Brennan Johnson has been crucial in creating goal-scoring opportunities for the team.
Recognizing his importance to the team, Nottingham Forest rewarded Chris Wood with a two-year contract extension earlier this season, locking him down for the foreseeable future. This contract extension is a reflection of the club’s belief in Wood’s abilities and their long-term plans to continue to build their squad around key players like him. Wood’s performances this season have more than justified the club’s decision to invest in him, and it is clear that he has become one of the most important figures in the team. His leadership and experience will be invaluable as Forest aims to secure a European spot and, if all goes well, potentially compete in the Champions League next season.
Looking ahead to next season, Nottingham Forest’s challenge will be to strengthen their squad even further, particularly in the attacking areas. While Wood has been excellent, he will need support to ensure that Forest can compete at the highest level, especially if they are to secure a place in the Champions League or Europa League. Wood has proven this season that he is still capable of performing at a very high level, but the Reds will need additional attacking reinforcements to complement his abilities and provide depth for the rigors of top-tier European football.
As Forest continues their push for a top-four finish, all eyes will be on Chris Wood, who has emerged as one of the standout players of the Premier League this season. His remarkable transformation from a player who struggled to make an impact at Newcastle to one of the league’s most consistent goal-scorers at Forest has been one of the most compelling narratives of the season. Wood’s resilience, mental fortitude, and goal-scoring prowess have made him an invaluable asset to Forest, and as they chase European football, his performances will remain key to their success. Whether or not they achieve their dream of qualifying for the Champions League, one thing is certain: Chris Wood’s contribution to Forest’s resurgence this season has been nothing short of extraordinary.