Nuno Espírito Santo’s full-time celebrations, more Matz Sels heroics and an FA Cup quarter-final all reinforced this season’s overwhelming journey as Nottingham Forest beat Ipswich Town on penalties to face Brighton for a place at Wembley. George Edwards was at the match
Nuno Espírito Santo’s spirited and joyous charge to join Forest’s shoot-out celebration illustrated the overwhelming positivity surrounding every aspect of Nottingham Forest. This is a season that will go down in the history books as a cherished memory regardless of the many outcomes possible, as the defining moments draw nearer.
Nuno’s often a man of few words and even fewer actions. Where before him Steve Cooper relished the limelight, the Portuguese has been more reluctant to, allowing the players to take full credit, happy to take a back seat.
Even after his grinning maraud onto the field, the manager was quick to depart, but the brief outburst of pure emotion only added to the joy around the City Ground with Forest a game away from Wembley.
Nuno was gratefully embraced by all of his players as they danced with delight, the connection between the playing squad and the staff at this present moment perhaps the closest bond seen between the two in the post-Clough era.
Cast your mind back, if you can, to a rather unforgettable FA Cup replay victory in extra time against Blackpool 14 months ago. Nuno stood on the sidelines with anguish, looking on with displeasure and having a sense of thankfulness once Forest had secured progression. He looked lost, lonely and cut adrift from his squad, albeit just weeks into the role.
Fast forward to the end of that season as Forest secured survival on the last day at Burnley; Nuno was hailed and celebrated by players and fans alike, truly accepted into the Forest family.
From that moment it has been a story of ever-growing love for the father figure at the helm, his passion for the role growing by every milestone reached, every point gained.
Seeing his celebration last night brought flashbacks from his time at Wolves, where he cemented himself as a true great — something he’s on the verge of replicating on the banks of the River Trent.
The uncharted position Forest find themselves in is entirely testament to him, playing football to his players’ strengths and not allowing setbacks of any nature to formulate or shape the future.
While frustration could be expressed at his recent and rather baffling choice to swap Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga’s positions out wide, his celebration reminded us of the sense of achievement that is ongoing. While Forest will enjoy this victory, the mind of all will very much switch to the future, with one more memory banked for the scrapbook.
The celebrations were started by super Matz Sels, Forest’s hero for the 385th time (or thereabouts) this season with the defining shoot-out save — yet another rare burst of emotion from a man normally so cool. His progression between the sticks has been something of a revolution, turning Forest’s biggest weakness into their sturdiest strength in a matter of months.
Much like the five in red that stepped forward to convert from the spot, there was confidence and almost a sense of inevitability that Sels would save at least one. His ability to excel has become the norm this season, a figure close to matching some of the great ‘keepers of Forest history.
Forest fought back from behind to reach penalties, something not said that often this season so far, spearheaded by their fearless leader once again.
A classic Ryan Yates header levelled the scores, his ability to get into goalscoring positions on a regular basis something that sets him apart from the rest of Forest’s defensive midfield options. His performances over the past three must make him the favourite to start alongside Elliot Anderson against Manchester City, with his impact always felt on those memorable home ties against the league’s biggest and best.
Regardless of what happens come May, Nottingham Forest have served up a season of delight, something absolutely unforeseen last August. They sit third in the Premier League and are into the quarter-finals for only the second time this century, with a genuine pathway to Wembley and belief that this could be their year.
Successful cup runs never seem to be straightforward, but later than scheduled evenings against Exeter and Ipswich will be fondly remembered should Forest convert their cup run into something truly special.
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