Nuno Espirito Santo has Nottingham Forest enjoying a remarkable Premier League campaign, with their impressive away form serving as a key factor in their success.
Forest’s dramatic stoppage-time victory over Aston Villa, sealed by Anthony Elanga’s goal, saw them climb into the top four ahead of their Saturday trip to Brentford.
While the Villa win showcased Forest’s resilience, it is their ability to grind out away victories against formidable opponents that has truly set them apart in their pursuit of European football.
Nottingham Forest have already stunned some of the league’s biggest teams on their travels.
Wins at Old Trafford against Manchester United and at Anfield against Liverpool demonstrate that Nuno’s side is capable of troubling any opponent when away from home.
Chris Wood’s resurgence
Ahead of Forest’s visit to the Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford manager Thomas Frank singled out Chris Wood as a significant threat.
Wood has been instrumental in Forest’s away successes this season, scoring the decisive goal against Manchester United and equalising during the draw at Chelsea.
Speaking to the official Brentford website, Frank praised the veteran striker’s form:
“Chris Wood is playing probably some of the best football of his life, he looks fantastic so far [this season].
“Well done to Chris Wood and well done to Nuno [Espirito Santo], for getting him in top form. He’s not just an experienced player but also an experienced finisher. He’s clever, calm and composed.
“He leads the team and I like what I see from him but I hope we can keep him quiet on Saturday.”
Wood’s performances have even drawn comparisons to Harry Kane, with former England goalkeeper David Seaman lauding his contribution to Forest’s attacking threat. However, Frank knows that Forest’s strengths extend beyond their talismanic forward.
Forest’s tactical strengths
Frank acknowledged the broader challenges posed by Nuno’s well-drilled side.
“We know it will be difficult, we’re facing an incredibly good team, and they’ve been unbelievable this season so far. They went to Anfield – a difficult place – and beat them [Liverpool], they went to Old Trafford – another difficult place – and beat them [Manchester United].
“They’re very good at what they do. They sit a little bit lower and press high in spells. They defend unbelievably well in open play and set-pieces, and they are such a threat on counters.”
Brentford’s defensive struggles
Frank’s concerns are backed by Brentford’s defensive frailties this season. The Bees have conceded an expected goals (xG) figure of 28.1 – the fifth-highest in the league – and are averaging 1.9 goals conceded per game.
Goalkeeper Mark Flekken, while reliable, has been the busiest in the league, making the most saves per match.
With such vulnerabilities, Forest will fancy their chances of another productive away day. If they can create opportunities for Wood and their other attacking threats, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side could well return to the City Ground with another valuable three points.
