Nottingham Forest’s journey back to prominence in English football has been nothing short of extraordinary. Nottingham Forest’s resurgence in the Premier League has been nothing short of remarkable. As of January 2025, the club sits third in the league standings, amassing 40 points from 20 matches, with a record of 12 wins, 4 draws, and 4 losses. This impressive performance has reignited the passion of their fanbase and drawn attention from football fans worldwide.
Once a dominant force under the legendary Brian Clough, the club endured decades of obscurity, but recent performances have sparked a resurgence that has football fans and analysts alike paying close attention. Forest’s ascent in the Premier League offers a compelling story of resilience, strategic planning, and ambitious execution.
This article explores how Nottingham Forest has emerged as a surprise contender in the Premier League, analyzing the factors behind their success, key players’ contributions, and comparisons with other unexpected challengers in English football history.
Return to the Premier League
Nottingham Forest’s promotion to the Premier League at the end of the 2021/22 season was a monumental achievement. Having languished in the Championship for over two decades, the club clawed its way back to the top flight through a playoff victory under Steve Cooper. However, surviving in the Premier League was never going to be an easy task, especially in a league teeming with some of the world’s best teams.
Their first season back in the Premier League (2022/23) saw the club finish 16th, narrowly avoiding relegation. That survival laid the foundation for what would become one of the most remarkable transformations in recent football history.
The Nuno Espírito Santo Factor
Appointed as manager ahead of the 2024/25 season, Nuno Espírito Santo has been instrumental in Nottingham Forest’s transformation. Known for his tactical acumen and ability to maximize player potential, Nuno has implemented a system that emphasizes defensive solidity and swift counter-attacks. Under his guidance, Forest has achieved six consecutive Premier League victories, showcasing a well-organized defence and a potent attack.
Much of Nottingham Forest’s success can be attributed to their charismatic manager, Steve Cooper. Appointed in September 2021 when the club was struggling in the Championship, Cooper’s tactical acumen and motivational skills turned the team’s fortunes around. His ability to blend youth with experience, combined with a fearless playing style, has transformed Forest into a cohesive and competitive unit.
Cooper’s tactical approach in the Premier League has been pragmatic yet ambitious. Against top-tier teams, Forest has shown discipline in defense while exploiting opportunities on the counterattack. Meanwhile, against mid-table and lower-ranked opponents, they’ve adopted a more possession-oriented style, showcasing their adaptability.
Key Players Driving the Resurgence
While Cooper’s leadership is critical, Nottingham Forest’s rise would not have been possible without the contributions of several standout players.
Chris Wood
Chris Wood has emerged as Nottingham Forest’s talisman this season, leading their attack with consistency and determination. The 32-year-old striker has scored 12 goals in the Premier League so far, making him one of the league’s top scorers. Wood’s physicality, aerial prowess, and clinical finishing have made him a nightmare for defenders, and his ability to hold up play has been instrumental in bringing his teammates into the game.
Wood’s performance this season highlights his importance to Forest’s success. His goals have often been decisive, helping the team secure vital points in closely contested matches. Beyond the numbers, his leadership and experience have been invaluable in guiding a relatively young squad through the challenges of a demanding league campaign.
While Chris Wood has grabbed the headlines, Nottingham Forest’s success is built on a collective effort. Several players have stepped up this season, making significant contributions in key moments.
Morgan Gibbs-White: The Creative Engine
The creative midfielder has been the heartbeat of Forest’s attack. With 4 goals and 6 assists, Gibbs-White’s vision and technical ability have been crucial in unlocking opposition defences. His partnership with Wood has been a standout feature of Forest’s attacking play. His creativity, vision, and ability to unlock defences have been instrumental in Forest’s attacking play.
Anthony Elanga
The Swedish winger Anthony Elanga has brought electrifying pace, flair, and boundless energy to Forest’s flanks this season. Clocked at a top speed of 36.5 km/h in recent matches, Elanga ranks among the fastest players in the Premier League, a testament to his ability to outpace defenders consistently. His direct runs and dangerous crosses have added a new dimension to Forest’s attack, resulting in 3 goals and 5 assists so far. Elanga’s ability to break defensive lines has not only stretched opponents but also created opportunities for his teammates, proving his immense value to the team.
Murillo
The young Brazilian defender, Murillo, has been a revelation in Nottingham Forest’s backline this season. At just 22 years old, Murillo was signed from Corinthians during the summer transfer window for £12 million, a deal that now appears to be a bargain given his performances. He has featured in all 20 of Forest’s Premier League matches so far, recording an impressive tackle success rate of 83% and making an average of 2.8 interceptions per game. His composure under pressure, combined with his ball-playing ability—evident from a passing accuracy of 87%—and tactical awareness, has made him a cornerstone of Nuno’s defensive setup. Murillo’s ability to read the game and his aerial dominance have further solidified Forest’s defence, making him one of the standout young defenders in the league this season.
Matz Sels
The Belgian goalkeeper has been a rock at the back, making crucial saves to preserve Forest’s leads. With 7 clean sheets in 20 matches, Matz Sels has been among the most consistent shot-stoppers in the Premier League this season. His save percentage of 79.5% ranks him third among all top-flight goalkeepers, highlighting his reliability between the posts. Additionally, his ability to command the box during set-pieces and his precise distribution, averaging an 82% pass completion rate, have been instrumental in initiating counter-attacks and maintaining Forest’s defensive stability.
The Transfer Market Masterclass
Nottingham Forest’s success this season can also be attributed to their strategic approach to recruitment. The club’s summer transfer window saw the arrival of key players like Chris Wood, Anthony Elanga, and Ibrahim Sangaré, who have all played pivotal roles in the team’s resurgence. These signings were about adding quality and addressing specific weaknesses in the squad.
Forest’s ability to integrate new players seamlessly into the team has been commendable. The blend of experienced campaigners and promising young talents has created a squad capable of competing at the highest level. This recruitment strategy reflects the club’s ambition and determination to establish itself as a force in the Premier League.
Tactical Brilliance and Defensive Solidity
One of the defining features of Nottingham Forest’s campaign has been their defensive organization. Under Nuno’s guidance, Forest has conceded just 19 goals in 20 matches, ranking among the best defensive records in the league. This solidity at the back has been the foundation of their success, allowing the team to build confidence and play with freedom in attack.
Nuno’s use of a 3-4-3 formation has been particularly effective, providing defensive cover while enabling wing-backs like Ola Aina and Gonzalo Montiel to contribute offensively. The midfield pairing of Ibrahim Sangaré and Ryan Yates has provided a perfect balance of physicality and creativity, ensuring Forest remains competitive in every game.
Comparing Forest to Past Surprise Challengers
Nottingham Forest’s unexpected rise bears similarities to other underdog stories in Premier League history. Leicester City’s 2015/16 title-winning campaign is the most obvious parallel. Like Leicester, Forest has relied on a combination of tactical discipline, key player performances, and astute recruitment.
However, Forest’s journey is unique in its own right. Unlike Leicester, who built a relatively stable squad over a few seasons, Forest had to rebuild almost entirely from scratch following their promotion. This rapid transformation, coupled with the challenges of integrating so many new players, makes their current success even more remarkable.
Recruitment Masterclass: Building for Success
Nottingham Forest’s success this season can also be attributed to their strategic approach to recruitment. The club’s summer transfer window saw the arrival of key players like Chris Wood, Anthony Elanga, and Ibrahim Sangaré, who have all played pivotal roles in the team’s resurgence. These signings were not just about adding quality but also addressing specific weaknesses in the squad.
Forest’s ability to integrate new players seamlessly into the team has been commendable. The blend of experienced campaigners and promising young talents has created a squad capable of competing at the highest level. This recruitment strategy reflects the club’s ambition and determination to establish itself as a force in the Premier League.
Fan Support
The City Ground has been a fortress for Nottingham Forest this season, with the team drawing immense energy from their passionate fanbase. Sell-out crowds and an electric atmosphere have made it one of the most intimidating venues for visiting teams. Forest’s home form has been exceptional, with key victories over top-six rivals cementing their reputation as a formidable side.
The renewed enthusiasm among fans is a testament to the team’s performances. The connection between the players and supporters has been a driving force behind Forest’s success, creating a sense of unity and belief that anything is possible.
Comparisons with Leicester City’s 2015/16 Triumph
Nottingham Forest’s unexpected rise has drawn comparisons with Leicester City’s fairy-tale Premier League title win in 2015/16. Both teams started the season as underdogs but quickly defied expectations with their performances. Like Leicester, Forest has relied on a well-organized defence, a prolific striker, and a cohesive team spirit to climb the table.
While it remains to be seen whether Forest can replicate Leicester’s historic achievement, their journey so far serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and magic of football. The Premier League’s ability to produce such stories is what makes it the most popular league in the world.
Can Forest Maintain Their Momentum?
As Nottingham Forest enters the second half of the season, the challenge will be to sustain their momentum. Upcoming fixtures against top-six rivals will test their credentials and provide a clearer picture of their ambitions. With 18 matches still to play, there is little room for complacency.
Nuno Espírito Santo’s experience and tactical nous will be crucial in navigating this critical phase. Forest’s ability to stay consistent, manage injuries, and maintain their defensive solidity will determine their final position. While a top-four finish would be a remarkable achievement, the prospect of European football is already a significant step forward for the club.
Conclusion
Nottingham Forest’s rise in the 2024/25 Premier League season is a testament to the power of ambition, strategy, and teamwork. From years of battling relegation to now challenging for a top-four finish, the club’s journey has been nothing short of inspirational.
As the season unfolds, Forest’s story will continue to captivate football fans worldwide. Whether they achieve a fairy-tale ending or not, their resurgence under Nuno Espírito Santo marks the beginning of a new era for this historic club. For now, Nottingham Forest is living proof that with the right vision and determination, even the most improbable dreams can come true.
