Composite image of Arne Slot and Nuno Espirito Santo. Photography: Alex Livesey/Getty Images and Clive Mason/Getty Images
Former Forest and Liverpool ace Stan Collymore says Nuno Espirito Santo and his swashbuckling side could derail the Reds’ title ambitions.
The Premier League clubs meet again next Tuesday and Arne Slott is certainly not taking anything for granted after Forest recorded their first win in decades at Anfield earlier this season.
Nuno was previously hailed as the perfect fit for Forest and his results continue to suggest he has indeed found a home where his goals align with those of the team.
Nuno Espirito Santo shows his mettle at Forest
With Slott issuing a warning to his Liverpool side over the individual performances of certain players, it’s clear the Reds will need to deal with some concerns behind the scenes if they are to continue their climb to the top of the Premier League.
Of course, there’s no need to worry just yet as Liverpool are six points clear of their nearest rivals, a gap that could increase to nine if they have a game in hand.
However, complacency will become their enemy if teams start to catch them, and the draw against Manchester United and the Carabao Cup defeat to Tottenham Hotspur showed that Slott’s side are not invincible.
“I’m absolutely delighted that my two clubs, one of which I left for another club, are going to go head-to-head in a game that’s huge for the title,” Collymore told CaughtOffside . His exclusive column.
“While Liverpool’s performance was no surprise, Forest’s performance was and I think what Nuno Espirito Santo has them doing every week is getting back to the essence of football.
“Defend your own half and your own box, get a foothold in the game and knock teams out.
Can Nuno Espirito defeat Arne Slot again?
“They embarrass every one of Pep’s disciples and managers like Russell Martin think they can make a difference in the Premier League just by showing up at the back.
“[…] No one saw this coming for Forest and I don’t think anyone could look at the group of players they have and say they’re going to be a mid-table team at best.
“They might end up in the middle of the table, who knows, but I think we’ve reached this stage of the season where we can say that Nuno has rejuvenated his career.
“[…] There are 1,000 ways to skin a cat, and right now, the forest is skinning it. It’s an absolute delight what they’re doing and I wouldn’t be surprised if they skin the liverbird next Tuesday, it’s sure to be a good game. “
With 18 games left in the season, there’s plenty of time for the Premier League table to take on a completely different shape.
However, Nuno and his Forest side have proven beyond doubt that they are capable of staying the course.
The Portuguese’s desire to attack is very frugal, and he is obviously following the “simplicity is genius” route.
Forest aren’t trying to be anything they’re not, but doing what they do best.
With clear support from the players, it definitely makes them a threat heading into the second half of the 2024/25 season.
