Beat Liverpool and Forest are in the Title Race

A bold statement from Forest’s manager, who claims that a victory over Liverpool will put the team firmly in the Premier League title race.

When Nottingham Forest take on Liverpool at the City Ground next week, it will be a top-of-the-table clash that few could have foreseen back in August.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s team trails the leaders by six points following their 3-0 victory at Wolves on Monday. Another win against the Reds, whom they defeated earlier in the season at Anfield, on Tuesday, January 14th will only intensify discussions about a potential title challenge.

After finishing 17th last season, which was plagued by off-field chaos and a four-point deduction due to breaches in profit and sustainability rules, Nuno has completely transformed the team.

Questions about their title credentials are only now being raised, which is a testament to the calm atmosphere at Forest and Nuno’s ability to downplay even the highest praise.

Although it was meant humorously, the manager joked during his post-match press conference at Molineux that he wouldn’t glance at the standings with Forest in third place, just behind Arsenal on goal difference.

“I’m not sure, but maybe I’ll check it out at the end of the season. I promise you all,” he said with a smile.

We’re working to create something wonderful together, and it’s all about enjoying the journey. Everything else is secondary; even the table isn’t crucial. We just keep moving forward.

The Portuguese won’t be able to dodge attention or questions for much longer. When asked directly about the Liverpool game, he redirected focus to Saturday’s FA Cup third-round match against Luton.

“I’m sorry for not answering your question, but this is the reality. We need to prepare thoroughly for that game,” he said.

The FA Cup holds significant importance for us, offering a valuable opportunity for our squad. It allows us to give players some game time, which is crucial in such a long season where everyone needs experience on the field to maintain fitness and rhythm. Our first focus: Luton.

Forest are the only team to have defeated Liverpool in this Premier League season, and if they manage to secure another victory over Arne Slot’s side, it will be more than just a demonstration of their ambitions.

“If they defeat Liverpool, they’ll be contenders in the title race,” said former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports.

“At the moment, I would say that if the Champions League spots extend to the top five positions, they have an excellent chance.”

Forest supporters are now daring to envision a return to European competition for the first time since the 1995-96 season, with Champions League qualification becoming a genuine possibility.

They are five points ahead of fifth-place Newcastle and six points in front of Manchester City.

“It would be truly amazing,” commented midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, who netted Forest’s opening goal against his old team. “Some fans might get the chance to experience it for a second time. Providing them with that opportunity once more is our main objective as a club.”

“The owner and we share this belief. Our focus must remain on taking each game as it comes without getting ahead of ourselves, maintaining our calm and humility.”

England manager Thomas Tuchel, present at Molineux, likely appreciated Forest’s efficiency and the decisive manner in which they overcame their hosts.

Gibbs-White made his senior debut under interim manager Lee Carsley in September and will be considered for a spot in Tuchel’s first squad when England competes against Albania and Latvia in the World Cup qualifiers this March.

The midfielder stated, “I had no idea he was here. My focus is solely on club football right now. We’ll see what happens come March. But knowing [Tuchel was here] has brought a smile to my face.”

Gibbs-White’s goal in the seventh minute provided Forest with an essential foundation, allowing them to increase their points total to 40 from 20 games.