Nottingham Forest’s impressive nine-game unbeaten streak in the Premier League came to an abrupt end on Saturday with a heavy defeat to Bournemouth, leaving Nuno Espirito Santo visibly frustrated on the touchline.
The 5-0 loss marked Forest’s first defeat of 2025, casting doubt on their push for European football.
Despite their strong form heading into the match, Espirito Santo’s side appeared unprepared for Bournemouth’s high-intensity approach, leaving the hosts to capitalize on Forest’s disjointed display.
The result was particularly disappointing given the optimism earlier in the week, as Brazilian defender Murillo signed a new contract with Forest on Tuesday.
However, Murillo delivered a performance far below his usual standards, contributing to Forest’s defensive struggles and visibly irritating his manager throughout the match.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s frustration with Murillo against Bournemouth
Trailing by a goal at half-time, Murillo made a costly decision early in the second half. Attempting one of his trademark surges from defence, the Brazilian dragged a wayward shot well wide of Kepa Arrizabalaga’s goal, prompting a furious reaction from Espirito Santo.
Phil McNulty, reporting for BBC Sport, described the moment:
“Magnificently furious reaction from Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo as Murillo surges out of defence before sending a shot from about 35 yards trickling hopelessly wide.
“Nuno went through the full range of gestures of fury before storming – and I mean storming – back to his seat. Not a happy Nuno at all.”
Espirito Santo’s frustration only grew as Bournemouth added four second-half goals, exposing Forest’s defensive frailties and highlighting Murillo’s struggles in particular.
Murillo’s poor performance against Bournemouth
Facing Bournemouth’s backup striker, Dango Ouattara, due to Evenilson’s injury, Murillo endured a difficult afternoon.
Ouattara out-jumped him for Bournemouth’s second goal and later out-muscled the defender to complete his hat-trick, showcasing Murillo’s inability to cope with the physicality of his opponent.
The Brazilian lost five of his nine duels during the match, including half of his aerial challenges, despite Bournemouth’s lack of height in attack.
His struggles extended to his distribution, with Murillo completing only 74% of his passes. This hindered Forest’s ability to build play from the back, an aspect of their game Espirito Santo values highly.
Despite Forest’s high valuation of Murillo and their demands for a world-record fee for any potential transfer, his performance against Bournemouth will have done little to reinforce his reputation.
After such a disastrous display, Forest will hope this match proves to be an exception rather than a sign of things to come.
