Nottingham Forest pulled off yet another unlikely away victory as they won 3-2 at Old Trafford, a result needed following their recent form yet unsurprising given their progress this year. George Edwards was at the match
A shred of disbelief, an ounce of trepidation and a whole load of celebration. Emotions that very rarely occur in the away end at Manchester United. But this Forest side is very different to teams of recent years, in terms of both quality and belief, making beating United both believable and throughly achievable.
The Theatre of Dreams. A place feared by all for decades and despite its occupant’s recent downfall, still somewhere that jitters any opponent that steps foot onto its famous field.
And while this isn’t the Manchester United of the past, currently, this is no Forest of the past either. They rose to the occasion, the daunting atmosphere and the unlikely task ahead of them, imposing their football with class and showing little fear.
Forest couldn’t even give Manchester United a game just over a year ago. They were royally humbled, losing 10-0 across four fixtures in their first season back, barely laying a glove on them.
The progress taken in the space of two-and-a-half years is quite remarkable, made possible by spectacular recruitment and appointing just the right man to take Forest from surviving to thriving in the Premier League.
Nuno Espírito Santo now becomes the first-ever Forest manager to win at Old Trafford and Anfield in the same season, two results unfathomable at the season opening back in August. However, his tactical talent and motivational class has been ingrained into his players, taking their game to any venue or opposition.
It was a performance needed following recent timid away displays; Forest were on fire, striking early and choosing their moments to break forward, clinical when in front of goal.
This is a season that keeps on breaking history, and not just in the managerial department. It’s Forest’s first victory at United in 30 years (they finished third that season), while also winning consecutive league games against them for the first time since 1992.
Fifth in the Premier League on the back of this one, somewhere that we’re just used to seeing Forest these days. Uncharted territory is becoming common ground in a season that is providing cherished lifetime memories for a fanbase that had been starved of such joy for so long.
The anomaly to that is their promotion season, and Forest’s ability to react to adversity and focus on their own game draws real parallels to that one, with Nuno slowly becoming a figure lauded similarly to how Steve Cooper was back then.
Perhaps the most warming factor about the win is the lack of surprise. Granted, winning at Manchester United is some feat, but Forest’s momentum away from home means that this result isn’t a major shock, possible as the Reds found a way to rediscover their electric form on the road.
Nuno’s selection sent out a statement. The same side that was challenged with attacking Ipswich at home given the reins to slay the red giants of Manchester, doing so with incredible discipline.
Elliot Anderson, often deployed in attacking roles, shone in the middle of the park, never shying away from the ball and covering immense amounts of ground. He’s a player that just keeps on giving and puts such a smile on the faces of those watching and those around him.
Ahead of him, Morgan Gibbs-White, despite doubts being cast over him by sections of the fanbase, expressed just why he starts every game. He may have gotten lucky with the goal, one André Onana will be crying to have back, but his momentous manner dragged Forest over the line.
In space, he shot — goal. Out wide, he crossed — goal. Crossed with the precision and power that number nines crave — just the type of direct and positive play that sets him apart from anyone else at the football club.
Scorer of that last goal was, no surprise, Chris Wood, becoming the Reds’ all-time top Premier League scorer on his 33rd birthday. With two away games absent from the scoresheet and probably still dreaming about that miss at the Etihad, Wood’s impeccable attitude sets an example for all, and he is truly on track to become a modern-day Forest cult hero.
Integral to the win even more was goal scorer number one, Nikola Milenkovic. Beginning with the dream, opening the scoring after merely two minutes with a powerful, bullish header, followed by a stellar defensive display, of which we have become accustomed to of late.
Despite conceding two goals, that defensive display should not be underestimated. Defending a lead at Old Trafford after early goals in each half was always going to be an uphill battle, just look at how their two-goal lead at United last year ended up.
Matz Sels was never called into any strenuous action and although the Red Devils missed clear chances, there was never a real belief from anyone inside Old Trafford that United would draw level come full time.
And to round things off, another jubilant party in the corner by the away end, something almost customary for away days this season. Forest are third in the away league table this season, and it’s hard to choose a favourite.
A crucial early win at Southampton. That historic scalp at Anfield. Humbling their local rivals in their own back yard. And now this.
The good times are really flowing right now, and they show little sign of halting, as Forest’s push for Europe may just begin to set in as a reality.
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