Nuno Espirito Santo delivered an early Christmas gift to Nottingham Forest fans as his side secured a commanding 2-0 victory over Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday.
Goals from Ola Aina and Anthony Elanga on either side of the break propelled Forest to third place in the league table, continuing their remarkable campaign under the Portuguese manager.
Forest’s performance was brimming with standout displays, with Ola Aina receiving plaudits for his overall contribution and young centre-back Murillo earning high praise from Lewis Jones, who claimed the Brazilian defender could “play anywhere.”
However, the most influential figure in the match may have been Espirito Santo himself, whose tactical nous was highlighted by Forest legend Brian Laws.
Brian Laws Praises Espirito Santo’s Tactical Adjustment
Speaking on BBC Nottingham Sport, Laws commended Espirito Santo’s decision to adopt a five-at-the-back system to counter Brentford’s strengths.
The shift allowed wing-backs Ola Aina and Neco Williams to excel, both offensively and defensively, transforming Forest’s ability to dictate play on the flanks.
“Nuno’s definitely done his homework for sure,” Laws said.
“The wing-back helps you spring from a five at the back to a seven going forward.”
This tactical change came after Forest had successfully deployed a 4-2-3-1 system in their win over Aston Villa.
With Ryan Yates unavailable, Espirito Santo opted against a like-for-like replacement in midfield, instead dropping Morgan Gibbs-White deeper and introducing Morato as a third centre-back.
The adjustment proved pivotal, with Gibbs-White playing a key role in launching Forest’s counterattacks.
Aina and Williams Shine
The tactical tweak enabled Aina and Williams to thrive. Aina’s goal and overall performance drew the headlines, but Williams was equally instrumental.
The Welshman delivered the crucial cross for Aina’s opener, justifying Espirito Santo’s decision to start him over Alex Moreno.
Defensively, both wing-backs were equally impressive. Williams registered five clearances to Aina’s six, while the pair combined for seven defensive recoveries.
Their offensive contributions were equally telling, with each completing six passes into the final third, offering Forest the creative spark needed to exploit Brentford on the counter.
Forest’s Counterattacking Masterclass
Espirito Santo’s tactical changes showcased Forest’s adaptability and the ability to exploit opponents’ weaknesses.
Aina and Williams exemplified this strategy, not only in their defensive resilience but also in their ability to create chances and stretch Brentford’s defence.
The win underscores Forest’s growing confidence under Espirito Santo and solidifies their position as one of the league’s top-performing sides this season.
