Nottingham Forest’s search for their first Premier League win of the season continues after a goalless draw against Tottenham Hotspur. The match, played at the City Ground, saw both teams fail to break the deadlock, leaving Forest with two points from their opening three fixtures [1].
The fixture was not without its drama, as a second-half goal from Forest defender Neco Williams was disallowed following a VAR review for handball. Manager Oliver Glasner was vocal in his belief that the goal should have stood, stating that the VAR intervention was not clear and obvious and that his team felt they had lost two points [2]. Williams himself insisted the ball struck his head, not his arm, before entering the net [2]. This incident has led to further frustration within the Nottingham Forest camp regarding VAR decisions [3].
Despite the controversy, the draw means Nottingham Forest remain winless in the league, a sentiment echoed by various reports [4]. The team’s offensive output was noted as lacking, with calls for more creativity and attacking impetus [5].
In other news for the club, Neco Williams recently committed his future to Nottingham Forest by signing a new contract [6]. This long-term commitment from a key player will be a boost for the squad as they look to turn their season around.
Club Data
Nottingham Forest currently sit 16th in the Premier League table with 2 points from 3 games. Their record stands at 0 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss, with 2 goals scored and 3 conceded. Their recent form shows a pattern of draws and losses: a 0-0 draw against Tottenham, a 2-2 draw away to Liverpool, and a 0-1 home loss to Leeds United. Looking further back, they drew 1-1 with AFC Bournemouth and lost 2-3 to Manchester United.
What it means
Nottingham Forest’s position at 16th in the Premier League table, with just two points, highlights a challenging start to the season. The two draws, including the recent one against Tottenham, suggest a degree of resilience but also a struggle to convert opportunities into wins. The form of two draws and one loss in their opening three league games indicates a team that is finding it difficult to secure maximum points. Their next fixture is an away game against Aston Villa on September 12th. This match will be another test for Forest as they aim to break their winless streak and climb out of the lower half of the table.
Sources
- BBC Sport: Forest and Spurs remain winless after disallowed goal drama in draw bbc.co.uk ↩
- BBC Sport: Glasner and Williams dispute VAR call over Forest handball bbc.co.uk ↩
- BBC Sport: Football Daily bbc.co.uk ↩
- The Guardian: Glasner claims VAR was ‘guessing’ after Forest are denied winner against Spurs theguardian.com ↩
- BBC Sport: Nottingham Forest: Shut Up and Show More Football bbc.co.uk ↩
- BBC Sport: Nottingham Forest: Shut Up and Show More Football bbc.co.uk ↩