“This is not us,” Nuno Espirito Santo said to his players during their first practice following the 5-0 loss to Bournemouth to start the week. Nottingham Forest proved to be their true selves in the end.
For the first time in thirty years, they are the best Forest team.
They are no longer considered to be outsiders in the top four. Their presence is based on merit.
They are serious candidates to qualify for the Champions League.
And they are able to perform in such a ruthless, raging manner.
It had been a bad off day on the south coast for almost the whole team. To a man, they were excellent at the City Ground a week later.
Regardless of whether you consider it a fluke or a bad day, what happened against Bournemouth will instantly seem like a distant memory, replaced by one that will likely be remembered by Forest supporters for many years to come.
The Forest head coach had pressed for a response from his players during that Monday meeting on the training field and for the remainder of the week.
He never would have imagined one so dramatic and forceful.
At the City Ground, all of the queries regarding Forest and their European credentials were addressed with resolute clarity. In what has already been an incredible campaign, this was a masterclass in everything that has made them good.
Can they succeed with Nuno’s style? Yes, it can based on this evidence. The last time Forest defeated Chelsea 7-0 in the Premier League was in April 1991.
Their most memorable 7-1 victory over Sheffield Wednesday was their last time scoring seven goals in the Premier League.
Two of the three goals scored by the prolific Chris Wood, who has already scored his best number in the top flight with 17 goals, were set up by his quickness and directness.
One of Forest’s better moves this January may have been to agree to a new contract with the 33-year-old that would keep him with the team until 2027.
With the calmest of penalties, he completed his hat-trick.
Elanga had previously created the second Forest goal of the day with a corner kick that found Morgan Gibbs-White’s near post run, who skillfully headed a strong header home. Yet, Gibbs-White was frequently the team’s most important player in spite of Wood’s hat-trick and Elanga’s three assists.
Forest had taken the lead after Lewis Dunk’s own goal was enticed by his cross from the right side.
Additionally, Forest rarely gives up their lead once they take it.
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