How Nuno has helped Forest break loose

Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points and players who can be decisive in Matchweek 20.

Head coach analysis: Nuno Espirito Santo

Nottingham Forest’s superb 3-1 victory at Newcastle United on Boxing Day was a counter-attacking masterclass inspired by their new head coach Nuno.

NFO

2-1

MUN

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Starting wingers Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi, who flanked No 10 Morgan Gibbs-White and striker Chris Wood in a 4-2-3-1 formation, Nuno signalled his attacking intent.

Forest were prepared to take the risk of leaving a couple of players upfield when out of possession, which meant they always had an outlet whenever they turned over the ball.

And from those quick transitions their front four joined forces to rip apart Newcastle's backline.

After their win, which moved Forest up to 16th, two points clear of the relegation zone, Nuno said: “We knew they would press very high and we knew that when the moment was there we would spin and go.

“Our plan was counter-attacking. It was all about transitions. We knew that, if you beat Newcastle’s press, you will have chances against them.”

Relegation battle

Position Pos	Club	Played Pl	GD	Points Pts
16	Brentford BRE	38	-9	39
17	Nott'm Forest NFO	38	-18	32
18	Luton LUT	38	-33	26
19	Burnley BUR	38	-37	24
20	Sheffield Utd SHU	38	-69	16

Fabulous fast breaks

Forest had only executed 12 fast breaks all season prior to their win at St James’ Park, where they produced five inside 90 minutes.

Three shots came from those counters, including the first two goals of Wood’s impressive hat-trick.

From a turnover deep inside their own half, with most Newcastle players ahead of the ball, Gibbs-White received a pass on the half-turn to spring a 4v4 that they ruthlessly finished.

Hudson-Odoi almost scored a second on the stroke of half-time, and it came from a move that typified Nuno’s tactics.

Forest cleared from defence to striker Wood, who knocked the ball down for Gibbs-White, and with both wingers flying forward to support on the outside, he released Hudson-Odoi to race upfield for a shot.

Their quartet of forward players performed with this kind of energy and intelligence throughout the match.

Wood’s second strike also came from a devastating fast break.

Ibrahim Sangare made a terrific interception on the edge of his own box, before quickly beating the press with a pass to Elanga. He broke at pace before his wonderful long pass picked out Wood, who finished with poise.

Utilising ball-carriers

If you are going to set up to play on the break, you need quality ball-carriers in your side, and Nuno’s team selection was spot-on in that sense.

Elanga and Hudson-Odoi always wanted to run at their direct opponents, and they are a duo who can also travel at speed with the ball at their feet.

It was, however, full-back Ola Aina, central defender Murillo and Gibbs-White who registered the most successful dribbles, with three apiece.

Encouraging individuals to carry the ball forward on the counter, it is no coincidence Nuno's two matches in charge have produced the highest number of completed dribbles from Forest players.

Most Forest dribbles completed 23/24

This will be the way forward when they host Manchester United on Saturday. Just as they did at Old Trafford earlier this season, Forest will look to hit United hard and fast from transitions.

Going long

They will also carry on seeking out Wood with longer passes in behind.

Their hat-trick hero is excellent at arcing his runs to beat the offside trap when opponents hold their position on the halfway line.

He ran in beyond the last man from this pass (below) in their 3-2 loss against AFC Bournemouth with 10 men.

And his third goal at Newcastle was almost a carbon copy, making the most of right-back Tino Livramento (circled) playing him onside from a searching Murillo pass.

If Erik ten Hag’s side push up high at the City Ground, the hosts will look to turn them with this kind of pass.

They must ready themselves for another stream of quick, incisive breakaways from a re-energised Forest side.

Also in this series

Part 2: How Endo has become Liverpool's midfield linchpin