Returning to the fundamentals proved to be a successful strategy for Nottingham Forest as they rebounded from two consecutive losses with a 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town on Saturday.
Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo made a priority of restoring defensive strength after the Reds conceded six goals in their previous matches. It was a hard-fought clean-sheet at the City Ground, with goalkeeper Matz Sels not called upon often thanks to the efforts of the team in front of him.
On the offensive end, Chris Wood joined Bryan Roy as the club’s top Premier League goalscorer with 24 goals each after converting a penalty. Jota Silva earned the penalty that Wood converted in his first league start, making an immediate impact.
Nuno showcased the depth of his squad by giving Jota and Neco Williams rare starts, showing his confidence in the whole team. After the final whistle, Nuno reflected on the match.
Regarding the win, Nuno emphasized the importance of defensive solidity and praised his team’s work rate. The switch to a back three allowed Ipswich some opportunities, which Nuno highlighted as an area for improvement.
Nuno lauded Wood for his goal-scoring prowess and expressed confidence in his ability to continue performing at a high level for years to come. He also praised Jota for his energetic performance and highlighted the competitive nature of the Premier League.
The decision to start Williams was based on the team’s depth and the need for different options. Nuno stressed the importance of having a strong squad to compete at a high level.
