Kevin Campbell has heaped praise on Nottingham Forest for their efforts in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Arsenal. Furthermore, the man who played for both teams during his career has made a prediction about the Reds.
Forest were desperately unlucky at the Emirates Stadium. They fell 2-0 behind in the first half when Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka both scored but they stuck to their task in hand.
The second half proved stark contrast from the first. By the end of the game, it was Forest who perhaps felt disappointed that they’d not managed to claim a share of the spoils in North London.
Taiwo Awoniyi scored for the Reds to set up a grandstand finish. He fired home after a blistering run from Anthony Elanga had carved out the opportunity.
Campbell was impressed with Forest. He thinks that 12 months ago the same team might have folded like a cheap deckchair and he thinks they’ll be fine this season.
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He told The Sun: “I have to give credit to Steve Cooper and his team. Forest have learned so much from having had a season in the Prem. I’m convinced that the same Forest team a year ago would have fallen away at 2-0 and lost the game by four of five goals.
“Instead they did well to hang on in the game despite being over-run and out-passed. It’s early days but I think this Forest team will surprise a lot of teams this season.”
Campbell delivers Forest prediction after defeat to Arsenal
The Reds could surprise a few but perhaps they do need to be a little bit more attacking from the off. Against Sheffield United this weekend, Forest will need to showcase a little bit more going forward to their supporters.
Hopefully, Forest can get their first three points on the board against the Blades this weekend. United are in a bit of a transition themselves after losing Iliman Ndiaye and Sander Berge during the summer transfer window.
Campbell could be right, however. If Forest continue to show the kind of performance levels they did in the second half on Saturday, they could improve this season.
Still, the Premier League is an unforgiving division. Lots of teams will fancy this season as the one where they kick on and Forest must make sure they’re not left behind.