Three things about Nottingham Forest's 3-1 victory over Leeds United

Three talking points from Nottingham Forest’s 3-1 victory against Leeds United, an important win spearheaded by Omari Hutchinson’s impact from the bench, setting Forest up nicely for the winter months ahead. George Edwards was at the match

The importance of victory against Leeds United was not lost on anybody inside the City Ground this afternoon.

Sean Dyche has firmly steadied the ship and improved Forest during his three-week tenure in the dugout. But the longer the Reds went without a Premier League win, the more damaged they’d become and the bigger mountain they’d have to climb.

Forest had failed to beat either of the promoted sides they’d already faced so far and knew that victory would lift them within touching distance of the dotted line, while defeat — to a relegation contender — would see them further cut adrift in the bottom three.

After falling behind in the 13th minute, Forest drew back level less than two minutes later, with second-half goals from Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson securing the Reds three points for the first time in the Premier League since opening day.

Wingers won them the game

Omari Hutchinson was signed for £38 million from Ipswich Town 85 days ago, but today felt like his grand unveiling.

Being cast away from the Europa League squad has made giving the winger minutes a tough task, but with Dilane Bakwa and Callum Hudson-Odoi injured, Hutchinson’s chance didn’t feel too far away.

He was introduced with the scores level on the hour mark; his flair and spirit revitalised Forest just when they seemed to be drifting away, and his end-product in two vital moments secured the points.

It took him just nine minutes to register his first PL goal involvement in the Garibaldi, controlling a floated Murillo pass, shimmying inside and curling to perfection onto the head of Morgan Gibbs-White, who himself bagged his third strike in as many home games. Adding goals to his game felt like a necessity as Forest’s main man, a challenge he is rising to amidst his omission from the England squad.

In a desperate attempt to win the game, winger Jack Harrison was thrown on at left-back by Leeds manager Daniel Farke, a weakness Hutchinson targeted and exploited with determination. Harrison couldn’t get near him, chasing him into the penalty area before dragging him to the floor in stoppage time, allowing Anderson to convert from the spot.

Hutchinson’s display was testament to his professionalism, chomping at the bit to make his mark and prove to the manager that he deserves the shirt.

Hutchinson wasn’t alone in his threat out wide — Dan Ndoye’s directness in the first half got Forest back on level terms shortly after going behind; his cross eventually found Ibrahim Sangaré, who lashed home from six yards out.

Ndoye has been a slow burner in a red shirt, scoring on his debut but offering minimal threat from out wide at the start of the season. Yet with every game he plays, he seems more physically adapted to the Premier League and utilises his strengths with confidence, unafraid to use his left foot — perhaps the best weak foot in Forest’s squad.

The Reds’ threat from wide areas was such a constant of their success last season, and Dyche is a manager who loves direct and feisty wingers.

Hutchinson and Ndoye’s displays, coupled with the returns of Hudson-Odoi and Bakwa, offer optimism and a welcome selection dilemma for the manager; the strength in depth we all thought Forest had after their transfer window finally starting to show.

Defensive stout & home comfort returning

Before Dyche arrived, Forest had lost four home games on the bounce, scoring just twice and conceding 10 goals. Since his arrival, Forest are unbeaten at home and are making the City Ground feel homely again.

While having less possession, Forest dominated in every other area, conceding just three shots on target and looking like the superior team throughout, 3-1 a fair reflection by the end.

Nikola Milenkovic was awarded man of the match in the stadium, while Murillo was given the official PL version — a clear indication of the organisation that has returned to Forest’s backline, nullifying almost all of Leeds’ threat bar one moment, the moment that ultimately sparked them into life.

And while his defensive style and foundations on picking up at least a point remain relevant, it was nice to see Dyche go for it. He acknowledged this was a game Forest should win, ensuring that was reflected on the field by positive substitutes and clear messaging from the sidelines.

Their only other Premier League win this season win was again 3-1 at home, on the opening day against Brentford, a day Forest’s midfield shone.

The trio of Sangaré, Anderson and Gibbs-White excelled that day to levels we haven’t really seen since. Today, those were the three who won the game, not only by getting on the scoresheet but also by dominating the middle of the park, aided by skipper Ryan Yates off the bench.

Following the full-time whistle, Forest fan and train hero Stephen Crean was photographed in the tunnel congratulating the players after he was welcomed pitch side pre-match and into the directors’ box during the game. The City Ground also peacefully paid its respects to those fallen in battle on Remembrance Sunday, featuring a quite beautiful rendition of The Last Post.

Forest have recaptured their identity both on and off the field, with togetherness and hard work at the root of today posing positive signs as the season begins to ramp up…

Win ahead of the winter slog

When the floodlights beam down and the gloves are dug out is when the season begins to define itself. It’s not the decisive period, but it’s perhaps the most crucial, the winter months a time when games come thick and fast and there is nowhere to hide.

It’s a period where you can get carried away in success or be left behind in failure.

Forest’s six-game winning streak last winter was the moment they took the next step and cemented themselves as European contenders. It felt as if they could play seven days a week and blitz any opponent in front of them, such was the momentous confidence they emitted from match to match.

The year before, a run of six games without victory saw the end of Steve Cooper, the sheer volume of fixtures meaning Forest just couldn’t find a way out of the rut they spiralled into.

The final international break is the last moment to take a breath before diving into the meat of the season. They must recharge, recalibrate and eventually regroup, knowing that they will define themselves over the coming weeks and months.

Two weeks ago, the prospect of watching Forest twice a week felt almost frightening.

But now, with key players returning to fitness and a sense of consistency and direction growing, they look prepared and ready to tackle the winter slog head-on, with a Premier League season to save and a Europa League to win.

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