Joe Booth reflects on a significant night at Molineux
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo was “pleased with [his team’s] performance” but is pledging not to look at the Premier League table until “after the season” following Monday’s 3-0 win at his former club Wolves.
Forest achieved their sixth consecutive victory, propelled by first-half goals from Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood, in addition to a second-0half stoppage-time goal from Taiwo Awoniyi.
The Forest manager conveyed his satisfaction regarding Awoniyi’s performance. “We are extremely pleased for Taiwo,” Nuno said. “It has taken some time for him to regain his sharpness, and we will require him to contribute further goals for us.”
This victory positions Forest level on points with Arsenal, who currently occupy second place in the Premier League, and six behind leaders Liverpool, whom Forest welcome to the City Ground next Tuesday night.
When Nuno was asked about his team’s status in the title race, he responded: “We face Luton next in the FA Cup; that is my sole focus at this moment. For me, it is simply another match, and I have instructed the players that we need to concentrate on our upcoming game and the one that follows.”
Significantly, this match coincided with the 50th anniversary of Brian Clough’s appointment as manager of Forest, triggering a reign in which he facilitated considerable success for the club.
Nuno elaborated on Clough’s enduring impact, saying: “One notices his legacy around the City Ground, within the city, and at the training facility; his contributions are consistently acknowledged. He serves as an inspiration for us to improve and embodies what it means to play and manage this club.”
Thomas Tuchel, the newly appointed England manager, attended the match at Molineux to assess players ahead of the national squad selection scheduled for March. Given that Gibbs-White is already part of the squad, the manager may also be evaluating additional players.
Nuno expressed his contentment with Gibbs-White’s performance while underscoring the necessity of maintaining focus. He remarked: “We have several international players who have represented their respective countries, and Morgan is no exception. I am pleased with his commendable performance, but we must remain dedicated to the task at hand and prepare for the match against Luton on Saturday.”
