. Nuno Espírito Santo’s side have claimed some impressive results at the City Ground this season. They beat Aston Villa and Tottenham at home in December; they smashed Brighton 7-0 last month; and they have taken points off Liverpool and Arsenal. Yet victory over the defending champions in a battle for a Champions League finish spoke volumes. It was Forest’s first home win against City since Jason Lee bagged a brace and Steve Stone added a third in a 3-0 victory in September 1995. It was a win a long time in the making.
Importantly, though, the result wasn’t a huge shock. Forest beat the drop by just six points last season, albeit with a four-point deduction, but they are now third in the table and on course to qualify for the Champions League. They are four points clear of fifth-placed City, with sixth-placed Newcastle a further point back. It feels more likely than not that Forest will return to Europe’s elite club competition for the first time in 45 years, particularly with fifth place in the Premier League likely to be enough to guarantee Champions League football. The last time the club played in the European Cup, in 1980, they were the reigning champions.
There are still 10 games to play, so Nuno will not be dreaming about European nights under the lights just yet. Brighton, Aston Villa and Bournemouth are also knocking on the door, although they are inconsistent. Villa’s run in the Champions League may prove a distraction for Unai Emery’s side. And Brighton and Bournemouth have also endured their fair share of injury concerns this season, which may hold them back. Forest, by comparison, have remained relatively injury free, and that’s been vital as Nuno implements his regimented gameplan.
Forest’s success this season is challenging the idea that possession is king in …
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