Pundit says whether he thinks Nuno has improved Nottingham Forest after taking over from Steve Cooper

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Not too many Nottingham Forest fans would have had a win over Liverpool at Anfield on their bingo card for the 2024/25 campaign.

However, four games into the season, Forest can tick that one off. A 72nd-minute goal from Callum Hudson-Odoi sent the away end into raptures and helped Forest claim a huge three points.

Liverpool had won all three of their Premier League games this season without conceding a goal but their perfect record went out of the window in the Anfield sunshine.

The mastermind of the victory was Nuno Espirito Santo. He made a bold selection by leaving both Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga on the bench, with Elliot Anderson and Nicolas Dominguez occupying the wide positions.

That allowed more defensive stability across the pitch with both Anderson and Dominguez not shy when it comes to getting back and doing the defensive side of the game very well.

Although he’s had his critics, Espirito Santo deserves the plaudits for this one and his gameplan worked to absolute perfection at Anfield.

• READ MORE: What Ola Aina said to Callum Hudson-Odoi after Liverpool win

Robbie Mustoe shares whether Forest have progressed under Nuno Espirito Santo

Espirito Santo had a tough act to follow by replacing Steve Cooper. Although Forest had gone stale and were sleepwalking towards relegation, Cooper was extremely popular due to his promotion exploits.

However, he’s taken everything in his stride and it’s now fair to say that Forest have definitely kicked on under his leadership.

Robbie Mustoe is a pundit for NBC Sports and he’s now shared whether he believes the club has progressed under the stewardship of Espirito Santo.

He told The 2 Robbies podcast: “The tactical, the gameplan, the subs – his changes won them the game, Elanga and Hudson-Odoi combined for the winning goal.

“He’s not loved is he? He’s a bit dull, he’s not a great interview, he’s not going to say anything is he, he doesn’t like all of that, he’s short and sharp but he’s starting to impress them (the fans) there, I think he has taken them on from Steve Cooper.

“That was a real highlight and I’ve got to say that’s probably one of the best days he’s had as a manager. Top class.”

Forest must stay grounded after solid start

It’s a good start to a third successive Premier League campaign for Forest but right now, that’s all it is.

Forest will have some big games on the horizon and there is still a desire from fans to see the Reds be on the front foot more often than not particularly during home games.

Although the Reds have won both of their away games this season, Forest are still awaiting a maiden win on home soil and that will be the next thing in their sights.

Espirito Santo has to be given some respect, however. He was the first choice of very few when Evangelos Marinakis picked him to replace Cooper and now it’s impossible to say that the team haven’t kicked on under his influence.