Nuno Espirito Santo has Nottingham Forest in the midst of an incredible Premier League season so far, with their away form playing a big part in the success.
Forest’s win over Aston Villa, which came from a dramatic stoppage-time goal from Anthony Elanga, saw the club climb into the top four in the Premier League table ahead of Saturday’s trip to Brentford.
Whilst the Villa win was impressive, it’s been the Forest manager’s ability to find a way to grind out away victories that have set them apart from the European football-chasing pack.
Forest beat Manchester United away before the Villa win which, alongside Forest’s victory against Liverpool at Anfield, showed that Espirito Santo’s side can give any team in the league a difficult afternoon when on their travels.
Their next trip sees Forest take on Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium, with Bees boss Thomas Frank wary of one Forest star who has been at the heart of most of the impressive away results.Thomas Frank wary of ‘calm and composed’ Chris Wood
Speaking to the official Brentford website ahead of Saturday’s clash, Frank was keen to point out the challenge that Chris Wood will provide for his Brentford defenders.
Frank said: “Chris Wood is playing probably some of the best football of his life, he looks fantastic so far [this season].
“Well done to Chris Wood and well done to Nuno [Espirito Santo], for getting him in top form. He’s not just an experienced player but also an experienced finisher. He’s clever, calm and composed
“He leads the team and I like what I see from him but I hope we can keep him quiet on Saturday.”
Wood scored in the Manchester United win, whilst also equalising as Forest drew with Chelsea in another impressive away performance.
His form has been so impressive that Wood has been compared to Harry Kane by David Seaman. However, Frank is aware that Forest possesses many more ways to hurt his side than just Wood.
Nottingham Forest ‘threat’ will be a challenge for Thomas Frank
Continuing the interview, Frank made it clear that the way Espirito Santo sets up his Forest squad could cause Brentford problems on Saturday.
He said: “We know it will be difficult, we’re facing an incredibly good team, and they’ve been unbelievable this season so far. They went to Anfield – a difficult place – and beat them [Liverpool], they went to Old Trafford – another difficult place – and beat them [Manchester United].
“They’re very good at what they do. They sit a little bit lower and press high in spells. They defend unbelievably well in open play and set-pieces, and they are such a threat on counters.”
Given Brentford’s defensive statistics this season, Frank is right to be concerned. The Bees have conceded an xG of 28.1 this season, the fifth highest in the league, whilst also conceding 1.9 goals per game.
Brentford’s goalkeeper, Mark Flekken, has also made the most saves per match of any goalkeeper this season, highlighting that Forest can bring another three points back to the City Ground if they can create enough chances for the likes of Wood.
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