Can Nottingham Forest Continue to Climb After Beating Liverpool?
1991
It’s fair to say that Nottingham Forest have struggled to adapt to top-flight football since ending their 23-year absence from the Premier League. However, last weekend’s 1-0 win against Liverpool could prove to be a major turning point.
Forest headed into Saturday’s clash sitting rock bottom of the table after 11 games. With Jurgen Klopp’s side sitting ten points clear of the Tricky Trees, an away win looked extremely likely at the City Ground.
But Steve Cooper’s men had other ideas. Despite seeing just 24% possession and facing 15 shots – seven of which were on target – Forest managed to snatch a remarkable victory thanks to Taiwo Awoniyi’s 55th-minute strike.
Funnily enough, Awoniyi was the first of 22 new arrivals at the City Ground in the summer. Little did he know that he would be part of a record-breaking transfer window, with more players signing for a British club in a single window than ever before.
Due to the squad overhaul, it was always going to be difficult for Forest to hit the ground running this season. But they finally appear to be finding their feet in the Premier League.
Cooper’s side lost just one of their opening three games this season. After losing 2-0 to Newcastle, they best West Ham 1-0 before drawing 1-1 with Everton. However, they went on to endure a five-game losing streak.
Following defeats Tottenham (0-2), Manchester City (6-0), Bournemouth (2-3) and Fulham (2-3), many believe that Cooper would lose his job after the 4-0 loss to Leicester. Instead, he signed a new contract with the club.
Since then, Forest have only suffered one defeat in four Premier League outings. After drawing 1-1 with Aston Villa, they lost 1-0 to Wolves before grinding out a goalless draw against Brighton. Last time out, they beat Liverpool on home soil.
The Tricky Trees conceded a whopping 21 goals across their first eight games (2.6 goals per game). Across their previous four outings, they have conceded just twice (0.5 goals per game).
Although they are still struggling to score goals, they have made vast improvements in defence. Scott McKenna and Steve Cook have forged a formidable centre-back partnership, while goalkeeper Dean Henderson has been immense.
Of course, there is still a long way to go. But there is no denying that Cooper’s side are heading in the right direction. Despite remaining favourites for relegation, Forest will be brimming with belief after beating Liverpool.
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