Nuno Espirito Santo: ‘We’re enjoying the journey’ as Forest rise to second

Nottingham Forest’s transformation under manager Nuno Espirito Santo has been nothing short of extraordinary.

From a relegation battle a year ago to sitting second in the Premier League, Nuno has instilled belief and purpose in a club long starved of success.

Their 2-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park was Forest’s fifth consecutive Premier League victory, equalling a club record set in 1995.

Goals from Chris Wood and Morgan Gibbs-White sealed the triumph, but the performance was about more than the scoreline – it was a statement of how far this team has come.

Nuno has been quick to temper expectations, insisting his players remain focused despite their remarkable rise.

“We’re enjoying the journey,” he said. “But nothing changes. We haven’t achieved anything yet, and the league will remain tough until the end.”

The connection between Forest and their fans has flourished under Nuno’s stewardship. Their supporters were in full voice at Goodison Park, energising their team throughout the match.

Nuno highlighted this bond as a cornerstone of their success, emphasising the mutual belief that now defines Forest’s identity.

Wood’s performance epitomised this newfound confidence. The New Zealand international opened the scoring with a moment of sublime composure, lifting a delicate finish over Jordan Pickford after a perfectly executed move involving Anthony Elanga and Gibbs-White.

It was Wood’s 11th goal of the season and a testament to his intelligence and clinical edge.

Everton, unbeaten in six home league games before this fixture, struggled to cope with Forest’s organisation and incisiveness.

Their lack of creativity was evident, with Armando Broja and Iliman Ndiaye limited to half-chances, while defensive errors proved costly.

Forest capitalised again in the second half when a mix-up between James Tarkowski and Vitalii Mykolenko allowed Elanga to intercept.

The winger teed up Gibbs-White, who cut inside Abdoulaye Doucoure before firing an emphatic strike past Pickford to double the lead.

This win underlined Forest’s growing maturity. Even when forced into a late tactical reshuffle due to Murillo’s injury, Nuno’s side adapted seamlessly.

Their clarity of purpose and composure in key moments reflect a team thriving under inspired leadership.

Forest’s ride has been exhilarating. With Nuno at the helm, they are proving that this is no fleeting surge but the foundation of something lasting.

Whether they can sustain this momentum is open for debate, but Forest fans have every reason to believe their long-awaited revival is here to stay.