A 1-0 win over Brentford at the weekend ensured Nottingham Forest went into the international break in an automatic promotion place in the Championship.
The Reds secured the win thanks to a Ben Watson goal in the 56th minute and climbed level on points with West Bromwich Albion at the top of the division.
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A comfortable victory also saw four Reds earn recognition with Football League experts, Football League World. They included four members of Sabri Lamouchi’s team in their Team of the Week.
Chema Rodriguez, Matty Cash, Brice Samba and goalscorer Watson all earned a place in the team following excellent performances.
Samba’s inclusion comes after one very good save in particular. Just prior to the half-time interval he kept out a Mathias Jensen free-kick despite originally going the wrong way.
He has looked an assured figure in the Forest goal this season and is already becoming a fan favourite.
Rodriguez was making his first start at centre-back in the absence of Michael Dawson. He arrived in the summer and ensured an unhappy afternoon for the in-form Ollie Watkins.
Instrumental
Cash has been a standout performer for the Reds this season despite playing in an unfamiliar right-back position. Injuries to Tendayi Darikwa and Carl Jenkinson have led to Forest calling on Cash to deputise on the right-hand side of the defence.
The 22-year-old has arguably been Forest’s top performer this season and his place in this week’s Team of the Week is thoroughly deserved.
Another man who has undergone a remarkable transformation is midfield maestro Watson. This time last year he was cut off from Aitor Karanka’s squad completely and his days looked numbered at the City Ground.
He has provided the brains to Lamouchi’s team, however, and thoroughly deserved to take the plaudits for his matchwinning performance on Saturday.
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