It would not be unfair to say that Nottingham Forest struggled to adapt to the Premier League last season, following an unexpected promotion via the play-offs.
This term, however, Steve Cooper and his players are showing signs of progression, with Sunday’s impressive 2-0 victory over high-flying Aston Villa lifting the club to 12th in the table.
That first City Ground goal meant so much to @JMangala_8 🙌 pic.twitter.com/d8K8KkjjhP— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) November 5, 2023
That first City Ground goal meant so much to @JMangala_8 🙌 pic.twitter.com/d8K8KkjjhP
The Tricky Trees managed to win just one of their first 11 matches last season, suffering seven defeats along the way. Worse still, they possessed an alarming goal difference of -16.
With 11 games in the books this term, Forest are seven points better off with a goal difference of -3, having recorded three wins, four draws and four losses.
Cooper’s side made a solid start to the 2023-24 campaign, winning two of their opening four matches, with a 2-1 victory over Sheffield United preceding a 1-0 win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
It is also worth remembering that Forest pushed Arsenal and Manchester United all the way, losing 2-1 at the Emirates and 3-2 at Old Trafford.
A six-game winless run of four draws and two defeats threatened to derail the Reds’ season, but a strong 2-0 victory over Aston Villa has reignited the club’s campaign.
Like last season, Cooper has been tasked with gelling a new-look squad. Forest made 10 permanent signings during the summer transfer window, along with four loan signings.
That said, the club added quality in every department. Ibrahim Sangare and Nicolas Dominguez have transformed the midfield, while Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi pose a threat on the flanks.
With the addition of other notable players such as Chris Wood, Murillo, Matt Turner, Odysseas Vlachodimos, Nuno Tavares, Ole Aina, Divock Origi and Gonzalo Montiel, Forest now possess strength in depth.
It is also worth remembering that influential forward Brennan Johnson joined Tottenham Hotspur in the summer, departing his boyhood club after bagging 10 goals and three assists last term.
Given that money that owner Evangelos Marinakis has ploughed into the club, there will always be pressure on the players to perform – and there will always be pressure on Cooper to deliver results.
However, the project must be given time to blossom. If Cooper can continue to get the best out of his players, Nottingham Forest will establish themselves as a genuine Premier League outfit.