BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - JULY 31: Former Norwich, Celtic and Blackburn footballer, Chris Sutton now a Radio presenter and commentator for BT Sport during the Pre Season Friendly between Brentford v West Ham United at Brentford Community Stadium on July 31, 2021 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)
Prior to their season finale, Nottingham Forest received a harsh reality check despite appearing to have clinched their place in the Premier League.
Before Nottingham Forest’s season finale against Burnley, Chris Sutton has given them a swift reality check, stating that Nuno Espirito Santo has not performed any better than his predecessor, Steve Cooper.
Before the season’s final game, Forest had all but assured their place in the top division, a status that many in the East Midlands had wanted to achieve as anxiety over the remaining games grew.
It is still mathematically conceivable to drop, but a 12-goal swing in favor of 18th-placed Luton Town against Fulham at Kenilworth and a loss to already-relegated Burnley at Turf Moor would be necessary.
In his most recent BBC Sport predictions, Sutton stated, “This was supposed to be the big relegation decider, but with Burnley down and Nottingham Forest’s goal difference meaning they are as good as safe, there is nothing really riding on it now.”
The former striker and current pundit expressed sorrow for the Clarets, describing them as a “well-run” squad that is being relegated under “bright young manager” Vincent Kompany, but had less compassion for the team that will stay in the Premier League.
“Regardless of the points deduction, this will go down as a disappointing season for Forest even though they have stayed up,” he said, before attacking Nuno further: “It is not as if they have kicked on since Nuno Espirito Santo replaced Steve Cooper as manager in December, is it?”
Ultimately, Nuno has turned around the fortunes of Forest in five months to ensure they remain among England’s elite. He took charge with 20 fixtures remaining, winning five, drawing four and losing eleven with a points-per-game average of 0.95.
Before him Cooper’s 17 matches yielded a return of only three wins, five draws and nine losses, reaching a points-per-game average of 0.82. Unfortunately for Sutton the numbers do not lie, as based on those averages had Forest stuck instead of twisted back at Christmas, they would find themselves three points worse off now, and most likely level with Luton heading into this weekend.
Granted the club would have hoped to press on from last year’s relegation scrap, but in a competitive division it is not a guarantee. Now at least there is a chance to build under a seasoned coach such as Nuno in the years ahead.
