Jamie O’Hara delivers honest Nuno Espirito Santo verdict after Nottingham Forest display

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Nuno Espirito Santo has started to justify the decision made by Evangelos Marinakis to name him as Steve Cooper’s replacement back in December.

The move was initially met with some uncertainty from supporters, with Espirito Santo having an ill-fated spell with Tottenham.

He did a great job in establishing Wolves as a Premier League club though and clearly Marinakis saw something in him when appointing the head coach.

Last season was a bit of a struggle for various factors. It’s claimed that Marinakis almost sacked Espirito Santo on two occasions but stood firm instead.

Now, he must be thankful he did, with Forest producing the goods so far this season with some strong form.

Yesterday, the team went to Chelsea and after a number of saves from Matz Sels and Robert Sanchez, the shares were spoiled.

Joe Hart lauded both goalkeepers and Jamie O’Hara was impressed with Espirito Santo after another tactical masterclass away from home.

• READ MORE: Stephen Warnock hails Nottingham Forest that isn’t Sels

Jamie O’Hara delivers verdict on Nuno Espirito Santo after Forest draw

The players are giving everything for Espirito Santo right now and the away form has been simply brilliant from a Forest perspective.

Chelsea had been scoring for fun but Forest stood firm with substitute Neco Williams rattling the Chelsea players considerably when he came on.

Although there were a lot of top performers on Sunday, O’Hara opted to praise the work being done by Espirito Santo instead.

He told Sky Sports News: “You can see why they’ve conceded so few goals, defensively they’re brilliant, they’re really good. They’re solid at the back and fair play to Nuno (Espirito Santo).

“I remember him at Tottenham, he got a load of stick because he played this way at Tottenham because there’s a certain level where you can get to playing this type of football and I think Forest is the perfect club for him.

“He wants to keep them in the Premier League first and foremost but then can he kick them on?”

Espirito Santo proving time is of the essence to Forest

The Reds have thrived under Espirito Santo to a certain extent, with the club now looking a completely different side away from home.

Winning at Liverpool and draws at Brighton and Chelsea are rewards for a sound structure to their play under Espirito Santo and he deserves some praise.

Now, the nut must be cracked at home. The form under Espirito Santo on home soil hasn’t been good and that has to change if Forest are to kick on.

He’s proving that he’s the man for the job though and hopefully, Forest are now seeing the benefits of the club giving Espirito Santo time to stamp his own ideas on the team.