Darren Bent has told Optus Sport that he’s noticed something a little bit different about Nottingham Forest in recent weeks. The Reds defeated Southampton 1-0 last night to climb up the Premier League table to 15th place.
Forest have lost just twice in 10 games in all competitions. Those defeats came during away games at Arsenal and Manchester United, with Steve Cooper starting to turn things around.
Last night’s win was their first on the road in the Premier League for 24 years. Furthermore, it was only the second time they’ve managed to score away from home this season, with their other strike coming back in August.
Taiwo Awoniyi scored his fifth goal of the campaign for the Reds. He cost the club £17 million during the summer and it’s fair to say that the Nigerian is learning with every game he plays.
Bent believes that he’s noticed something about Forest in recent weeks. He also thinks that it’s benefitting the results that the team have been getting out on the pitch.
He told Optus Sport: “I almost feel like he’s changed the way they’re playing a little bit.
“At the start of the season, I thought they were too expansive, too open, too easy to play through. They’re being a bit more shrewd in their defending.
“Against Chelsea, they sat a little bit, assessed the situation and in the second half, they were brilliant. They were the better side today and they take all three points.”
Bent has noticed something different about Forest and he’s right
The former Derby striker might not say a deal that Forest fans feel they can agree with. His Rams connections might tarnish that a little bit but he’s developed into a good pundit and he’s right here.
Forest would have been sinking without a trace had Cooper not changed something. Earlier in the season they were shipping for fun and it seemed as though the Premier League dream was becoming a nightmare.
Now, the Reds are becoming a far more cohesive unit defensively. They are more solid and have stopped conceding as many silly goals on such a frequent basis.
There is, of course, work to do. With Cooper at the helm, however, it seems as though the Reds are firmly on the right track in the Premier League.
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