Nottingham Forest players celebrate after winning the penalty shootout against Brighton in the FA Cup

Image caption, Nottingham Forest beat West Ham in the FA Cup semi-final in 1991 but lost to Tottenham in the final

What a difference a year makes.

 

In March 2024, Nottingham Forest were teetering precariously above the Premier League relegation zone following a points deduction, and out of both domestic cup competitions.

 

Fast forward 12 months and they are flying high in the league – and through to a first FA Cup semi-final in 34 years after beating Brighton in a penalty shootout.

 

Matz Sels made two crucial spot-kick saves at the Amex Stadium to keep Forest’s hopes of a first FA Cup triumph since 1959 alive.

 

That would be reason enough to celebrate, but the Tricky Trees are also third in the top flight – well positioned to qualify for next season’s Champions League and return to European competition after more than 28 years away.

 

“It’s been an incredible season,” Forest captain Ryan Yates, who scored the winning penalty, told BBC One.

 

“We have achieved nothing yet but to send [our fans] to Wembley again – we know how special it was last time, getting promoted.

 

“It will be a special day and I am so pleased for the supporters and overall I think we deserved it.”

 

How Forest became penalty kings

Media caption,

Forest beat Brighton on penalties to reach FA Cup semi-finals

 

Penalty shootouts have become the norm for Forest in the FA Cup this season.

 

After a routine 2-0 win over Luton in the third round, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side required spot-kicks to overcome League One’s Exeter City and then Premier League strugglers Ipswich.

 

A third successive shootout followed on the south coast, with little to separate Brighton and Forest following a drab game which lacked many clear-cut chances.

 

Sels went the right way to deny a lacklustre strike from Jack Hinshelwood before standing tall and getting a strong hand to Diego Gomez’s powerful hit.

 

“In penalty shootouts you always need a little bit of luck but I’m really happy,” the Belgium keeper said afterwards.

 

Sels, who has kept 12 clean sheets in the league this season, was also integral in Forest’s two previous shootouts – with the decisive save against Ipswich after stopping one of Exeter’s spot-kicks in the fourth round.

 

Nuno said: “Matz saved again. He’s been doing really well. It’s the third time and we’ve always been successful. Credit to him.”

 

Skipper Yates sealed the victory as Forest became the first team to win three penalty shootouts in a single season in the FA Cup.

 

“I was a bit nervous to be fair, just so relieved it went in. Matz saved two penalties and I just knew I had to capitalise and send us to Wembley,” Yates said.

 

Did international travel affect teams?

This was the first game back for both sides after an international break and it looked like the extra miles travelled by players recently took their toll.

 

Brighton’s players travelled a total of 86,208 miles during the break, while Forest’s players combined for a total of 83,054 miles.

 

In a cagey encounter, players appeared fatigued with both teams untidy in possession and lacking quality in the final third.

 

“Football needs to address this. I know people will say players get paid a fortune, yes they do,” ex-England striker Gary Lineker said.

 

“But it’s not just about the players’ welfare, but the paying public will suffer, as you are not going to get players at their best.”

 

When the starting line-ups were announced before kick-off there were question marks over Nuno’s decision to rest key attackers Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga, especially with top scorer Chris Wood missing through injury.

 

It almost seemed like the Forest boss had one eye on Tuesday’s Premier League meeting against Manchester United – a chance for Forest to solidify their place in the top four and boost their bid for Champions League football next season.

 

Hudson-Odoi and Elanga came on just after the hour mark, and although they struggled to make an impact during the game, the former netted Forest’s second spot kick.

 

“You’ve got to give Nuno some credit,” said former Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney.

 

“We said before the game we thought he made a mistake resting some players, but when they go through you have got to give them credit.”

 

 

Nottingham Forest won a third straight FA Cup penalty shootout to beat Brighton and reach the semi-finals for the first time in 34 years.

 

Goalkeeper Matz Sels was the hero for the visitors, saving Jack Hinshelwood and Diego Gomez’s spot-kicks as Forest won the shootout 4-3 after the match had finished goalless.

 

In a drab tie that lacked quality throughout, there was nothing to separate the two teams after 120 minutes at Amex Stadium.

 

Brighton had looked the likelier side to snatch a winner late on – and Sels made a superb save to keep out a bullet header from Gomez in extra time.

 

Joao Pedro then thought he had won it at the death for the hosts after bundling in Pervis Estupinan’s delivery, but the goal was ruled out for offside and the match went to a shootout.

 

After two big saves from Sels, it was Forest captain Ryan Yates who stepped up to fire the club into their first FA Cup semi-final since 1991.

 

Forest, who beat Exeter City and Ipswich on penalties in the previous rounds, will discover their opponents when the draw takes place on Sunday.

 

Superb Sels sends Forest into semis

Media caption,

Sels makes ‘super save’ against Brighton

 

Forest have made penalty shootouts a habit during this FA Cup run, and it has become the norm that Sels will see them through.

 

The Belgium keeper has been integral to Forest’s superb Premier League campaign, and he has kept their hopes of a first FA Cup win since 1959 alive.

 

Penalties had almost seemed inevitable from the first half on Saturday, with neither team able to fashion any meaningful chances.

 

Forest felt the effects of Chris Wood’s absence, with the club’s top scorer missing after picking up a hip injury while on international duty with New Zealand.

 

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side had been awarded a spot-kick in the 64th minute, when Kaoru Mitoma was judged by referee Peter Banks to have brought down Elliot Anderson in the area.

 

However, the Video Assistant Referee intervened and Banks reviewed the incident before confirming, through the Amex sound system, that no foul had been committed – much to the delight of the home crowd.

 

Nuno and the Forest bench were less impressed, furiously protesting the decision with the fourth official.

 

But the whole team sprinted to the opposite end of the pitch as Yates’ penalty hit the back of the net more than an hour later to celebrate in front of their ecstatic travelling fans.

 

Media caption,

Forest seal victory against Brighton on penalties

 

Brighton fail to avenge humbling defeat

An FA Cup quarter-final at home could have been the perfect way for Brighton to avenge a humbling 7-0 defeat by Forest in the Premier League last month.

 

Since the Seagulls’ heaviest loss in 67 years, Fabian Hurzeler’s side had gone on a seven-match winning run.

 

However, Brighton lacked a creative threat on Saturday and were limited to long-range efforts in the first half, with Yasin Ayari, Carlos Baleba and Estupinan all coming close.

 

There was more intent from both teams after half-time, with Georginio Rutter blasting over the crossbar for the hosts, while Hinshelwood should have done better with a free header from a corner.

 

Unable to make their few chances count, Brighton paid the price in the cruellest way, with Hinshelwood and Gomez left dismayed after weak efforts from the spot.

 

Hurzeler and his team will need to get over this disappointment quickly as they continue their bid for Champions League football next season with a league game against Aston Villa on Wednesday.

 

There will be also be concern for Rutter, who appeared to be in tears as he limped off the pitch after going down injured off the ball in the 75th minute.

 

A return to European glory beckons. Nottingham Forest’s stunning ascent to third place in the Premier League has fans dreaming of Champions League nights, a feat not seen since 1980.At the heart of this resurgence lies Brazilian defender Murillo. With a pivotal league match against Manchester United looming, Showmax sat down with Murillo to discuss his career and about life at Nottingham Forest.

 

Catch Nottingham Forest v Manchester United live on Showmax Premier League, on Tuesday 1 April at 21:00

 

 

You finished 17th last season. Now you’re up there with Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal. Did you expect that evolution?

 

We knew how good we already were, and how good the newcomers were. The players from last season really gelled with the newcomers, and we were hoping to have a great season. It’s good to see that everything is working out, we’re happy with that. Now with this surprise, we need to keep it up so that better things come.

 

It looks like you’re having fun this season. It must feel great going toe to toe with such strong teams, right?

 

It feels great. When we’re on the pitch, we can see they respect us more. Now we know we’ve reached the point we’ve been looking for. That feels really great for us. Even more so because of the union we feel in the club, among all the players. I mean, all the players feel settled at the club, everybody jokes with one another, everybody talks to one another, and I think that’s paramount off the pitch, and we’re managing to bring that feeling to the pitch, and it’s working just right.

 

Apart from that important feeling, what do you think makes it work so well?

 

I think we’ve got Nuno’s [Espírito Santo] idea, which is the main thing. That relationship between players and manager is crucial to make things work. I think we’ve managed to understand what he’s passed on to us. Of course, with his intelligence and his staff who help out each of the players, no one is left behind, he’s with all of us. If he sees you fall, he runs to help you out. That connection is really solid, and that was crucial for us to reach this point.

 

 

Murillo of Nottingham Forest is celebrating after Callum Hudson-Odoi of Nottingham Forest scores an equalizing goal to make it 2-2 during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United at the City Ground in Nottingham, England, on February 10, 2024.

When you say he’s with everyone, what do you mean?

 

I mean he cares for all of us, he wants everybody on the same wavelength. He looks like a tough man, one that really gives you the “hair dryer”. I’d say it’s just the appearance. He is one of the funniest managers I’ve ever had, he jokes with everyone, loves a laugh. It’s always fun being with him and to listen to his stories. He’s a very cool, funny guy.

 

How did you decide to join Forest when many other clubs were after you?

 

Yes, I knew about the clubs interested in me, but I always made it clear: “It’s great, I’m happy with the interest, but the Premier League is my priority.” There was Napoli, I think Fiorentina, something from Torino as well, then Nottingham’s interest and offer, also Crystal Palace, and two more clubs I don’t remember.

 

And you wanted the Premier League?

 

I wanted the Premier League. I said: “If a Premier League offer comes, it’s my dream, the best league in the world.” Then Nottingham came in. So I went to Duílio, man to man, and said: “I want to go, mate. it’s my dream. I want to play.” Then we talked, and he said, “mate, you’ve been honest with me. We’ll see. If the offer’s good for both of us, perfect,” and it all worked out.

 

When you arrived, did you expect to be a starter in your first season, or have to battle for your spot?

 

I remember when I arrived, it was really tough, a very physical game, the players were strong, and I thought, “I’m going to struggle here.” Then we had a match against City, and I got dropped at the hotel. The coach told me, “you’ve been training and performing well, but to get up to speed, adapt, and gain the strength you need, it’ll take you two or three months to play.” I listened, nodded, and left, but in my head, I was like, “what? Two or three months? No way I’m waiting that long, no chance.”

 

I remember deciding to speed up the process, training at the club and outside. I hired a personal trainer, which I think is essential for any athlete, training at the club and having a personal one to complement it. It’s essential for a top-level athlete, so I started training at the club. I’d arrive, then train with the personal one. I thought, “I need to improve. Improve outside, get stronger, more prepared, because on the pitch, quality is my thing. No one can take it from me,” And I did it.

I think that was around October or September, I don’t remember. On the 1st of October, we were going to play against Brentford, and on the day of the game, the coach came and said I was going to play. I said, “I’m playing?”; he said, “Yes. Brentford is a team like this and that, and I need your quality, your long balls.” I said, “I’m ready for the game.”

 

It was the same thing that happened at Corinthians: After I played, I never stopped. I used to say, “if the opportunity comes, I’ll play and I won’t stop.” That’s what I told my agents, “I’ll play and I won’t stop.” I’ve always thought that way, and thank God, for both clubs I played for, at the professional level, that’s happened.

 

 

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 9: Murillo of Nottingham Forest celebrates the opening goal during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Newcastle United FC at City Ground on November 9, 2024 in Nottingham, United Kingdom. (

What did it feel like scoring your first goal against Newcastle, your first as a pro?

 

It was madness. It was the last game before I joined the national team, and my agent said, “you have to score, to arrive in good form, feeling confident.” I said, “leave it with me. I’ll do it.” So I got on the pitch against Newcastle, and I started off the game feeling different, feeling very confident.

 

I thought: “it’ll happen. I don’t know, I might get an assist and score.” That was that. Then, there was a foul, and, during the throw-in I remember they were all lined up like this, and, I was in the middle of the box, heading towards the far post. It was as if someone had pulled me and said, “no, head it toward the near post.” Then I said, “okay, I’ll go to the near post.”

 

When I was about to hit the ball, I looked at Anthony [Elanga], and I thought: “he’s going to kick the ball towards the near post. I’ll go there. What if this works?” And that’s what happened. He delivered the perfect cross at the right angle and I just guided it into the net. I celebrated it as much as I could.

 

I paid tribute to Dani [Danilo] with a little dance he wanted me to do, and, after that, I did my own celebration. I forgot to do the baby bump celebration for my daughter. My wife got furious with me. She said, “you did all the celebrations, but forgot the one that mattered the most!” So I told her, “there will be more goals. “I might not score them now, but I promise I’ll score them soon.” It was a memorable day for me.

 

You were then invited to play for the national team, after playing only 74 professional matches. What was it like joining the national team?

 

I think everyone dreams about it. Every Brazilian player at elite level dreams about playing for the national team, and, for me, it was no different. I’ve always been asked in interviews, “do you think you don’t have a chance?”. “Do you think you shouldn’t be in the team?” To which I’ve always said, “I’m calm, I’m at peace.” It’ll happen when it’s time.

 

I’m ready, though I haven’t had the chance to play yet, but just being there is a huge step. It’s an incredible experience, playing with players I used to see only on TV or play with in the FIFA video game. The day-to-day is very rewarding, sharing the pitch with these players, and learning a lot from them.

 

You renewed your contract with the club until 2029. What are your goals now?

 

My goal is to achieve something nobody has ever done. I think there’s a quote that says: “If someone does something, I’ll do it too. And if nobody has, I’ll be the first one to do it.” I try to leave my mark wherever I go, so people can say: “Murillo was a great player. He’s played here.” I try to leave this legacy.

I’m trying my best to get the team into the Champions League, to perform well in the Premier League, and to reach the level I know I’m capable of. It’s about playing my best for the fans who are always there showing their support, and, above all earning the respect of all the players and the club staff. That’s the main thing, when people see you and say, “not only was he a good player, but a great human being, a great man.” I think that’s the main thing.

 

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Nottingham Forest’s appeal against a £750,000 ($968,000) fine for insulting Premier League match official Stuart Attwell on social media last season was unsuccessful.

Following a 2-0 loss to Everton in the Premier League, where the team believed they had been denied three obvious penalties, Forest published the post in April of last year.

“Our patience has been tested multiple times,” the club said, adding that they had “warned” the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the body that oversees referees, that Attwell, the match’s video assistant referee, was a supporter of their relegation rivals Luton.

When a £750,000 fine was imposed by a regulatory authority in October, Forest promptly declared their intention to appeal, claiming the penalty was excessive.

The article, according to the Football Association, was a “egregious, direct, and public attack” on Attwell and a “unprecedented scale” attack on referees in general.

On Monday, the FA said that an appeal board had upheld the initial sentence and mandated the removal of the post.

On Monday, the link to the post on X was broken, but the club did not immediately clarify if it had been taken down.

“The (original) commission was entitled and right to give very considerable weight to the need for deterrence and the fact that NFFC had no mitigation,” the appeal board wrote in its reasoning.

The absence of mitigation was very noticeable.

Forest averted relegation previous season, although Luton were demoted to the Championship.

Forest is vying for a Champions League spot this season and currently sits third in the Premier League standings.

 

 

Nottingham Forest came out on top against Manchester City at the City Ground over the weekend.

 

The contest was between the teams sitting in third and fourth in the Premier League table, with Forest the team holding their nerve to claim a huge three points on Trentside.

 

Forest scored the game’s only goal with just seven minutes remaining. Callum Hudson-Odoi cost Forest £3 million and his latest goal might just prove to be completely priceless.

 

Ola Aina was praised for his efforts but in truth, this was a performance that saw every player produce a big team effort with Nuno Espirito Santo producing a tactical masterclass over Pep Guardiola.

 

 

Robbie Mustoe shares what wowed him about Nuno Espirito Santo

This was a glorious day at the City Ground and one that supporters won’t be forgetting in a hurry.

 

City might not be the dominant force they once were this season but ultimately, they’re still a team brimming with talent all over the pitch.

 

Forest turned up and did a job on them, waiting patiently to force their counters and then poetically picking the Citizens off with just seven minutes to play.

 

Robbie Mustoe lauded the performance and after the win he’s conceded that Espirito Santo did something that left him speechless.

 

 

He said on The 2 Robbies Podcast: “Nuno tweaks more than people think. Dominguez is a central midfielder but out of possession he played wide on the right. Morgan Gibbs-White who is often a 10, comes a lot deeper. I’ve never seen that before and I thought, ‘Wow, that’s different’, he mixed it up and the proof was in the pudding today.”

 

 

Espirito Santo has proved Tottenham fans wrong at Forest

Appointing Espirito Santo to replace Steve Cooper was frowned upon by outsiders looking into the club and largely because of his failed spell with the basket case that is Tottenham Hotspur.

 

Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho couldn’t achieve success with Tottenham, so what chance did Espirito Santo – unwanted by the fans anyway – stand when it came to producing the goods.

 

Espirito Santo celebrated accordingly after this win. He was clearly overjoyed by the performance level of his players, and he got everything he did spot on during the clash.

 

Sometimes the style of play that Forest play isn’t aesthetically pleasing, but when it comes to the Premier League, there are more ways than one to win games of football.

 

It’s great that Mustoe has praised the Forest head coach and he is now on the cusp of achieving something truly special with the football club this season.

 

 

Nottingham Forest solidified their position in the Premier League top four on Saturday (8 March) with a crucial victory against Man City.

 

Nuno Espirito Santo’s men defeated the defending Premier League champions by a goal to nil at the City Ground to grow the gap between them to four points in the table.

 

Callum Hudson-Odoi scored the only goal of the game which came in the 82nd minute as he beat Ederson at his near post to secure a crucial three points.

 

The goal left City fans fuming with their first-choice goalkeeper as they have called for Pep Guardiola to drop Ederson moving forward after he failed to keep the shot out.

 

However, Forest fans will only care about the fact that they are now in a stronger position in third place as they prepare for the final stretch of this campaign.

 

Forest also put pressure on Arsenal and closed the gap on the Gunners after Mikel Arteta’s men dropped two points against Man United on Sunday (9 March).

 

Chris Wood of Nottingham Forest celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Nottingham Forest a…

 

Chris Wood reflects on Nottingham Forest’s key victory

The victory for Forest was something that everyone celebrated at the club due to its importance regarding their league standings.

 

 

The striker took to Instagram to say, “What a result!

 

Chris Wood and Callum Hudson-Odoi together

 

Nottingham Forest are looking for European glory

Forest have been the surprise package of the Premier League campaign this season, going from a relegation battle last season to potentially securing Champions League football in this campaign.

 

Forest now have 51 points and four above City, but they are still under pressure from Chelsea who are just two points behind them.

 

Santo’s men will be back in action on Saturday (15 March) against Ipswich Town in their next fixture.

 

For more Nottingham Forest and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

 

 

 

Callum Hudson-Odoi celebrates after scoring the winner at the City Ground

Callum Hudson-Odoi celebrates after scoring the winner at the City Ground.

Can we just hear it for Nottingham Forest, please? Sure, Manchester City continued their plummet from Premier League title winners to scrambling for Champions League qualification, but the achievements of Nuno Espiríto Santo’s team deserve full recognition.

 

Callum Hudson-Odoi scored the winning goal seven minutes from time to enhance Forest’s hold on third place, four points clear of City, as the team who finished 17th last season deservedly overcame the side who were claiming their fourth successive title back then. If ever there was a game that epitomised both clubs’ seasons, this was it.

 

Pep Guardiola’s team have gained only one point from their last eight games against teams starting the day in the top four. But they were outfoxed by a Forest side who, having held Arsenal here 10 days ago, thrived from their counterattacking platform in the second half to extend their unbeaten home run to eight games. They have lost only twice here in the league all season. After this first league win over City in 28 years, Forest deserve to be where they are.

 

The goal was magnificent in its own right, in both the assist and the finish. First, the cross-field pass from Morgan Gibbs-White to the winger was a thing of beauty. Thomas Tuchel, the new England head coach, has already been visiting the City Ground to see his talents but this had the feeling of a callup-confirming moment. The Forest captain knew exactly what he wanted to do when turning on to the ball to the left of the centre circle. But knowing and doing are not always synonymous.

 

Gibbs-White looked up and dispatched a switch of consummate accuracy. With chalk on his boots out on the opposite wing, Hudson-Odoi simply had to trap the ball on the bounce and then go at Josko Gvardiol with purpose. Faking to step inside, he stayed out and, well into the penalty area, side-footed a shot inside Ederson’s near post.

 

Guardiola refused to put any blame on his goalkeeper. “It is what it is, we can’t blame a player,” the City manager said. “I prefer to praise than blame. It happens in football.”

 

Guardiola had by this stage told Jack Grealish to get warmed up and then to sit down again. Should Chelsea beat Leicester on Sunday, City will be fifth after five defeats from their last nine games.

 

Callum Hudson-Odoi is swamped by his teammates after scoring.

Callum Hudson-Odoi is swamped by his teammates after scoring.

It was no surprise that City dominated possession but for the first time in recent memory the away fans also out-sang their usually vociferous hosts in the opening half when Forest, unchanged from the side that held Arsenal goalless here 10 days ago, were content to sit and defend in a low block.

 

Forest did not give much else away in a cagey first half in which City saw twice as much of the ball. The teams were united in the third minute when chants of “Psycho” rang around the whole stadium in wishing good health to Stuart Pearce, the legendary Forest left-back who played and managed both these clubs, who has been in hospital after suffering a medical emergency on a flight from the US.

 

 

It was a tight game. We didn’t create many chances but we defended really well and controlled the transitions for almost all of the game.

 

They defended really well and we were not precise enough in the last moment.

 

Defensively we were really, really good. [Abdukodir Khusanov] played very well.

 

We have 10 games to quality [for the Champions League]. We have 10 finals, the next one is Brighton.

 

2:40PM

Ola Aina speaks to TNT Sports

It’s a massive result for us. We knew City were hot on our tails and we needed to get a result – thankfully we did.

 

[On facing Jeremy Doku] It’s tough. He’s very direct, a really tricky player. I was telling him on the pitch, ‘You need to chill man!’

 

He’s a tough opponent and one that I like to test myself against. I’m sure he likes to test himself against me. It was a good battle today.

 

2:35PM

Another away day to forget

That was City’s sixth league defeat away from home this season, more even than Manchester United, and their 11th in all competitions. Those 11 defeats have come in the last 17 games, a run that would have been unimaginable even five months ago.

 

Pep Guardiola consoles Mateo Kovacic, left.

Pep Guardiola consoles Mateo Kovacic, left. Credit: DARREN STAPLES/AFP

2:31PM

Callum Hudson-Odoi’s reaction

Look at this crowd. It’s amazing! They give us energy in every single game and we fought for every ball.

 

I’m absolutely buzzing with the goal. I’m happy for the team – it’s not just me, it’s the whole performance. We worked hard and we deserve this. We can enjoy it now but we have to recover and go again next week.

 

[On Morgan Gibbs-White’s pass for the goal] Every time I tell him, ‘Just look for me, look for me, look for me’, and he found me. With that quality he’s got, he’s a special player.

 

2:24PM

FT: Nottm Forest 1 Man City 0

A famous win for Nottingham Forest! They have beaten the champions of England for the first time since December 1994 and are surely heading for Europe, probably in the Champions League.

 

An intriguing match – cagey in the first half, frantic in the second – was settled by a late goal from the impressive Callum Hudson-Odoi. Let’s hear what he has to say.

 

2:21PM

90+2 min: Nottm Forest 1 Man City 0

So close to an equaliser! Kovacic, 25 yards out, cuts across a sweet strike that beats the flying Selz and curves this far wide of the far post. It may even have brushed the post.

 

2:19PM

90 min: Nottm Forest 1 Man City 0

There will be four added minutes. City are having almost all of the ball now but Forest continue to threaten on the break; they’ve managed this game superbly.

 

2:18PM

87 min: Nottm Forest 1 Man City 0

Forest dramatically take the lead with seven minutes of the 90 left. A lovely feathered pass by Morgan Gibbs-White to Callum Hudson-Odoi and a deceptive near post finish. The curious part of this is City – so much of the ball but no real urgency and intensity to overwhelm Forest. There is still a bit of time left.

 

Callum Hudson-Odoi celebrates his dramatic late goal.

Callum Hudson-Odoi celebrates his dramatic late goal. Credit: Chris Radburn/Reuters

2:17PM

87 min: Nottm Forest 1 Man City 0

Forest substitution Taiwo Awoniyi replaces the goalscorer Callum Hudson-Odoi.

 

Incidentally, it looks like his shot from the goal took a slight deflection off Gvardiol, almost a block tackle. But the ball didn’t really deviate as a result and Ederson should certainly have saved it.

 

2:15PM

85 min: Nottm Forest 1 Man City 0

Almost a second for Forest! Wood has a shot on the turn very well blocked by Khusanov in the area, though it looked like Wood had a better option coming up in support.

 

I think Hudson-Odoi was booked for his celebration.

 

2:12PM

Goal!

83 min: Nottm Forest 1 Man City 0 (Hudson-Odoi) The City Ground has gone berserk! Callum Hudson-Odoi has put Forest ahead after a bad mistake from Ederson.

 

The move started with a sweet 70-yard crossfield pass from Gibbs-White to Hudson-Odoi, who has just moved over to the right wing after the substitution of Elanga. Hudson-Odoi ran into the area, moved outside Gvardiol and forced a shot that beat Ederson at the near post.

 

At first it was hard to work out what had happened because it was hard to see how Ederson could be beaten at the near post from that angle. Replays confirmed Ederson was perfectly positioned but could only help the ball into the net as he thrust out his left hand.

 

2:09PM

80 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

Forest substitution Ibrahim Sangare replaces Anthony Elanga, a pragmatic change that suggests Forest won’t be unhappy with a draw.

 

2:07PM

78 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

De Bruyne’s free-kick is too straight and held comfortably by the crouching Selz.

 

2:05PM

77 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

Marmoush is fouled just outside the area by Yates, who is booked. This is a chance for City…

 

Ryan Yates fouls Omar Marmoush.

Ryan Yates fouls Omar Marmoush. Credit: DARREN STAPLES/AFP

2:05PM

75 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

Doku plays a neat one-two with De Bruyne on the edge of the Forest area. Milenkovic reads the play well and comes across to make an important challenge.

 

City are having a good spell here.

 

2:01PM

72 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

A loose ball breaks to De Bruyne, who curls wide from 15 yards with his left foot. He was under pressure but it was still a decent chance.

 

Kevin De Bruyne shoots wide.

Kevin De Bruyne shoots wide. Credit: Michael Regan/Getty Images

1:58PM

70 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

Forest substitution Ryan Yates comes on for Nicolas Dominguez and takes the armband from Morgan Gibbs-White.

 

1:58PM

69 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

Double substitution for City Omar Marmoush and Kevin De Bruyne replaces Savinho and Phil Foden.

 

After a quiet first half, both teams are now playing as if there no points for a draw.

 

1:56PM

67 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

Stunning save by Ederson! Hudson-Odoi cuts into the area from the left, dummies a couple of defenders and rifles a shot through the crowd towards the far corner. Ederson sees it at the last minute and somehow gets down to his left to fingertip it onto the post. That’s one of the saves of the season.

 

1:55PM

66 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

A football match is threatening to break out at the City Ground.

 

After a first half of limited entertainment, the second half is far more open with Forest displaying more attacking intent.

 

Morgan Gibbs-White, the Forest captain, is becoming more influential.

 

Jeremy Doku has switched from the left to the right to try and test Wales international Neco Williams.

 

Pep Guardiola watches on anxiously.

Pep Guardiola watches on anxiously. Credit: Chris Radburn/Reuters

1:54PM

66 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

At the other end Savinho’s shot from 15 yards is blocked by Milenkovic, an even better piece of defending.

 

Savinho’s shot is blocked.

Savinho’s shot is blocked. Credit: Lee Smith/Action Images via Reuters

1:54PM

65 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

Dominguez finds Gibbs-White, who runs a backpedalling defence and cracks a left-foot shot from 20 yards that is really well blocked by the lunging Khusanov. He’s starting to show the qualities that made City want him.

 

1:53PM

64 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

Ruben Dias, wandering forward in open play, has a shot from 20 yards that is comfortably saved by Selz. It feels like a goal is coming at one end or another.

 

1:52PM

63 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

Dominguez’s excellent cross bounces across the face and is cleared by Lewis. Forest are attacking with greater intensity and speed in the second half.

 

1:50PM

62 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

Double substitution for City Rico Lewis and Mateo Kovacic replace Matheus Nunes and Nico Gonzalez, who are both on yellow cards.

 

1:49PM

59 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

This hasn’t been an entertaining game, but the stakes and contrast in styles make it genuinely intriguing.

 

Nico Gonzalez, on a yellow card, stops a Forest break with a foul on Elanga. Careful now.

 

1:46PM

56 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

A City corner is headed down by Haaland to Bernardo Silva, whose shot from the edge of the area is blocked. Forest break through Gibbs-White, who wins a 51:49 with Nunes and is brought down. A clear yellow card.

 

1:41PM

52 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

Anderson wins a corner for Forest, who have started the second half well. Elanga takes, Gibbs-White heads wide in front of the near post.

 

1:38PM

49 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

Dominguez is able to continue. He’s moving a little gingerly but seems to be okay.

 

1:37PM

48 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

Elanga’s very deep cross is volleyed towards goal by Dominguez and saved comfortably by Ederson. It was a lovely effort from a tight angle – but he has injured himself in the process.

 

1:35PM

46 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

City begin the second half. No substitutions.

 

1:30PM

Half-time verdict

Finely balanced contest, with Manchester City edging it on possession and chances.

 

Nuno Espirito Santo will be satisfied with the defensive performance but his Forest team are arguably showing the champions too much respect.

 

Forest are at their best when on the front foot with wingers Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga attacking full-backs with speed.

 

City’s Phil Foden has looked menacing and it still appears that the personal battle between Jeremy Doku and Ola Aina will be pivotal.

 

1:19PM

HT: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

A scrappy, slightly laboured first half ends goalless. Manchester City had the better openings, with Nico Gonzalez hitting the outside of the post from long range, but there was very little in it.

 

Nico Gonzalez hit the post early on for Man City.

Nico Gonzalez hit the post early on for Man City. Credit: Getty Images/Sportsphoto/Allstar

1:16PM

43 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

One shot on target leads to another. Selz’s long kick clears the City defence and is met by Wood, who tries a half-volleyed chip on the run from 20 yards. He doesn’t get enough on it and Ederson makes a comfortable save.

 

1:14PM

43 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

The first shot on target comes from Doku, who dummies Aina and Dominguez beautifully before rifling a low drive from 25 yards. Selz gets down to his right to make a comfortable save.

 

1:12PM

39 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

Anderson wins the ball off Foden but then follows through and whacks him in the shin. Had he caught Foden with his studs rather than the side of the foot he would have been sent off. It wasn’t a great challenge either way.

 

Play continues and Gibbs-White slices well wide from the edge of the area after a good pick-out by Hudson-Odoi.

 

1:10PM

38 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

City are managing Forest’s counter-attacks very well. They’ve been susceptible in transition for most of the season but have looked a bit better since Abdukodir Khusanov and Nico Gonzalez came into the team.

 

1:06PM

35 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

Foden finds some space on the left and slides a precise cutback towards Bernardo Silva on the edge of the area. He smashes a first-time shot over the bar.

 

1:04PM

33 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

Nico Gonzalez is dispossessed by Dominguez, then brings him down and is booked.

 

Elanga’s free-kick just evades the sliding Gibbs-White at the far post. Gvardiol seemed to get a touch on the ball but a goalkick was given.

 

Josko Gvardiol challenges Morgan Gibbs-White.

Josko Gvardiol challenges Morgan Gibbs-White. Credit: Mike Egerton/PA

1:03PM

31 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

Chance for City Foden plays a give-and-go with Gvardiol in the area and sweeps a shot that is blocked by Dominguez. Replays suggest it was going well wide, which makes it a missed opportunity for City.

 

1:01PM

29 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

Never mind the first goal – the first shot on target could be crucial. So far it’s 0-0 on both counts.

 

Erling Haaland is yet to hit the target.

Erling Haaland is yet to hit the target. Credit: Catherine Ivill /AMA

12:58PM

27 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

Gibbs-White is booked for a tactical foul on Doku.

 

12:57PM

25 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

Pep Guardiola watches on from the sidelines.

Pep Guardiola watches on from the sidelines. Credit: Michael Regan/Getty Images

12:55PM

23 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

Khusanov, who has been increasingly impressive since that nightmare start against Chelsea, nips in front of Wood to clear a potentially dangerous long pass. City have handled Wood well so far.

 

12:53PM

21 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

As John says, the first goal feels especially important in this game. City look the likelier scorers at the moment, though Forest carry a threat on the counter-attack and from set-pieces.

 

12:50PM

18 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

Forest are the masters of low possession this season and are perfectly happy for City to keep the ball.

 

The only issue with this strategy against teams packed with talent like City is that it depends massively on Forest scoring the first goal.

 

Forest effectively play like an away team, waiting patiently to break quickly on the counter-attack.

 

City have been the more dangerous team so far.

 

Morgan Gibbs-White is challenged by Matheus Nunes.

Morgan Gibbs-White is challenged by Matheus Nunes. Credit: Michael Regan/Getty Images

12:48PM

16 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

Hudson-Odoi’s cross is miscontrolled by Wood, unmarked 10 yards out. At first it looked like a missed opportunity but replays showed he was offside.

 

12:46PM

14 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

Nico Gonzalez hits the post! That was a lovely effort, fizzed towards goal from 25 yards. Selz probably had it covered as he dived to his right and it pinged off the outside of the post.

 

12:42PM

10 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

A lovely cross from Savinho is headed away well at the far post by Aina. Haaland was waiting behind him and would have had a simple header from four yards.

 

After a slow start, City are beginning to dictate the play.

 

Savinho runs at the Forest left-back Neco Williams.

Savinho runs at the Forest left-back Neco Williams. Credit: Chris Radburn/Reuters

12:40PM

8 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

Chris Wood drops very deep to collect the ball, only to miss his kick and give it to Haaland. He drags an early right-foot shot from 20 yards that rolls just wide of the far post. There might have been a slight deflection but a goalkick was given.

 

12:38PM

6 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

Forest have made a strong start, with most of the early exchanges taking place in the City half. It’s a simple gameplan: try to score early and then pick City off on the break.

 

12:36PM

4 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

Huge applause and a rendition of “Psycho” here at the City Ground for Stuart Pearce in the third minute.

 

Nottingham Forest’s legendary left-back suffered a health scare on a flight back from Las Vegas and has been transferred to a hospital in Canada.

 

Nice touch from the home supporters.

 

12:35PM

3 min: Nottm Forest 0 Man City 0

A loose pass from Nunez goes behind for an early Forest corner. Elanga’s inswinger is headed away at the near post.

 

 

 

[On Forest] If you are third after 11 games it’s okay but if you are third with 11 games to go it means you have done many good things home and away. We know they feel stronger at home. They have quality in the front four, physicality and great spirit; they’re a top side.

 

Of course it’s an important game but it wouldn’t be the end of the world if we don’t qualify for the Champions League. How many years have Manchester City been in the Champions League? Ten, eleven? Before that, never ever. Of course it’s really important but … Liverpool were not in the Champions League last season and look at them now.

 

We will try until the last second, that’s for sure.

 

 

A key battle today will be between Erling Haaland and Murillo.

 

Haaland scored the winner in Manchester City’s win at Tottenham last month after recently returning from a knee injury.

 

Murillo is emerging as one of the most highly regarded young centre-backs in the Premier League and will be relishing the challenge against superstars like Haaland.

 

Another intriguing contest will be Jeremy Doku and Ola Aina.

 

Pep Guardiola name-checked Forest’s attacking full-back Aina in his press conference on Friday and the speed of Doku will represent a major test to the Nigerian international.

 

 

These two teams could not have more different approaches: Forest live for counter-attacks, while City need the ball like oxygen. That is reflected in the average possession stats for this season’s Premier League.

 

Nottm Forest 39.6% (20th out of 20)

Man City 60.6% (1st out of 20)

12:01PM

Marmoush was on Forest’s radar

Omar Marmoush is on Manchester City’s bench, yet he could easily have been lining up for the home team today.

 

Marmoush emerged as a serious target for Forest in the final week of the summer transfer window but his former club Eintracht Frankfurt refused to sell.

 

City then completed a £59m deal for the Egypt international in January, and he has made a solid start.

 

Forest have not done too badly without him, though, with Chris Wood proving a revelation under Nuno Espirito Santo this season.

 

Omar Marmoush was the subject of interest from Nottingham Forest last summer.

Omar Marmoush was the subject of interest from Nottingham Forest last summer. Credit: Mike Egerton/PA

 

Pivotal game in the race for the Champions League at the City Ground today.

 

That above paragraph is one that Nottingham Forest fans cannot possibly have expected to read before the season started, yet here they are.

 

Forest have occupied the top four for 77 days and are currently above Pep Guardiola’s champions in the table.

 

City will climb above Forest with a win, though, and Guardiola’s teams always ramp it up towards the business end of the season.

 

Nuno Espirito Santo has worked wonders with Forest.

Nuno Espirito Santo has worked wonders with Forest. Credit: Mike Egerton/PA

 

 

Pep Guardiola has offered no guarantees Jack Grealish will be at Manchester City next season – but insists the midfielder will be judged on his match performances rather than off-the-field behaviour.

 

Grealish, City’s £100 million record signing, was pictured on social media at drinking spots with friends in Manchester and the North East during his time off after last week’s FA Cup win over Plymouth Argyle, although Guardiola says his assessment of players comes from training sessions and matches.

 

Guardiola has recently stated that his squad next season will be bigger than usual and based on players who can cope physically with the demands of playing three games a week to compete in the Premier League and Champions League.

 

With England looking to qualify for the World Cup next year, Grealish will need regular first-team football to force his way into Thomas Tuchel’s plans after being dropped for the last Euros.

 

“I understand all the frustrations of all my players,” said Guardiola. “It’s so good to have a dream to play in the World Cup and the European Championship with his national team. I’d be concerned if it was otherwise.

 

Nottm Forest team news

Nuno Espirito Santo sticks with the starting XI that drew 0-0 with Arsenal ten days ago.

 

 

Pep Guardiola makes two changes from City’s last league game, an impressive 1-0 win at Tottenham. Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden return in place of Mateo Kovacic and Omar Marmoush, who will have the company of Jack Grealish among others on the bench.

 

 

Perhaps the most well-known accomplishment of Ipswich Town in the modern era is their incredible achievement of earning consecutive promotions to guarantee their place in the Premier League.

But before their spectacular exploits under Kieran McKenna’s leadership, the Tractor Boys were true Championship mainstays, and in 2019 they were relegated to League One.

One of the Tractor Boys’ most famous second-tier seasons occurred in 2014–15, before McKenna joined the team. Under the leadership of former manager Mick McCarthy, the Suffolk team secured a play-off position.

Football League World examines the current whereabouts of Ipswich’s highest-paid player from that campaign:

Defenders Luke Chambers and Christophe Berra were the Tractor Boys’ joint-highest paid players ten seasons ago, based on Capology estimations.

Both players contributed equally to the success of the 2014–15 season, earning an estimated £10,000 each week, or £520,000 annually.

Goal differential ultimately proved to be a crucial component, as McCarthy’s team finished tied with Wolverhampton Wanderers in seventh place on the points.

Chambers and Berra, two former Tractor Boys defenders who are 39 and 40 years old, respectively, have also hung up their boots.

After initially joining Ipswich from Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2012, Chambers will always be known as a veteran who played for the team for an incredible nine seasons.

After joining Colchester United before the 2021–2022 season, he played for the League Two team for two seasons before declaring his retirement in August 2023 at the age of 37.

Chambers will be most remembered for his time with the Tractor Boys, when he made an amazing 396 appearances over an unprecedented nine-season spell, even though he also played for teams like Northampton Town, Forest, and Colchester.

In appreciation of his accomplishments while playing in the Championship, League One, and League Two, Chambers received the Sir Tom Finney Award at the 2024 EFL Awards.

The 39-year-old now joins former Sheffield Wednesday striker Clinton Morrison as a commentator on Sky Sports Football’s EFL coverage.

After playing for Hearts and Raith Rovers in his home country of Scotland, Berra, who played for the Tractor Boys for four seasons from 2013–14–2016–17, retired from competition in 2022.

The former center-half joined Rovers as a coach right away after retiring, and by January 2023, he was hired as Livingston’s first team coach to work with David Martindale.

However, he left the then-Scottish Premiership team at the end of the 2022–2023 season before spending some time as the interim coach of Huntsville City, an Alabama-based MLS Next Pro team.