After Nottingham Forest’s first clean sheet of his City Ground reign—a goalless FA Cup draw against Bristol City— Nuno Espirito Santo feels his team has made a “huge step forward.”
Following their goalless draw at Ashton Gate against the mid-table Sky Bet Championship team, Forest will need to make time in their hectic schedule for a fourth-round rematch.
Despite recording his first clean sheet in seven games at Forest, manager Nuno chose to highlight the positives, stating: “It was a good performance with two different parts.”
“The second half was far better than the first, which wasn’t very good. In the first half, we allowed too many balls inside and lost control of our pressure, which caused us to have some difficulties.
“In the second half, we dominated, controlled the game, and prevented opportunities.”
“So having a clean sheet is a major step for us. anything for which we search nonstop.
“In the second half, we had opportunities, but we couldn’t finish.” Given that Bristol City is a strong team, let’s go on to the second leg.
Tuesday marks Forest’s return to Premier League action as they take on Arsenal at home. Forest is now in 16th place, four points above the relegation zone.
Nuno had overseen a tumultuous start for his Forest team, which had seen them score 14 goals and let up 11 in six games since taking over for Steve Cooper last month.
“We’ll definitely benefit from this,” the Portuguese remarked. We haven’t been able to maintain a clean sheet since we got here.
Giving in on our objectives has resulted in far too many issues for us. We score two or three goals every game, but we give up too many.
“I told the boys that since we have the skill and ability to win the game, this is our first goal in it: to defend well and maintain a clean sheet.
“As a team, we have to constantly aim to play solid defense, stay compact, and limit opportunities.”
After West Ham was defeated by Bristol City in a third-round replay, Ashton Gate was once again filled to capacity with supporters hoping to see another upset.
Forest had the only two shots on goal, but the Robins, who are currently 13th in the Championship, did not lack effort and did pose a threat at times.
“The boys are actually quite frustrated in the changing room, a little bit disappointed,” stated Liam Manning, the head coach of City.
“I understand and actually appreciate that, since I felt our level of bravery, competitiveness, and intensity—particularly in the first half—was really good.
“We lacked a little poise around the box—that necessary combination of conviction and coolness.
However, it’s another wonderful experience that’s marked off.
“We have another game coming up, but it’s a great chance and an amazing experience to go up there and push ourselves once more.”
