Nottingham Forest ‘machine’ is now the best in Europe in one aspect, Ian Wright absolutely loves him

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Nottingham Forest are enjoying a really wonderful season and Saturday’s 1-0 win over Manchester City was arguably the best result of the lot.

Callum Hudson-Odoi proved the man for the big occasion. He scored a goal seven minutes from time to send the City Ground into raptures and give Forest a massive three points.

Forest had a number of top performers. Nuno Espirito Santo won praise, however, and this was really about his in-game tactics as City were felled by a supremely organised Reds outfit.

Evangelos Marinakis watched this game from his usual place in The Peter Taylor Stand. He was clearly satisfied with the result at the end and Champions League football looks on the cards for Forest.

Espirito Santo celebrated accordingly after this win. It ensures Forest have a bit more breathing space on last season’s champions, with Ipswich to come next away from home.

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Forest star Ola Aina now among the best players in European football

Robbie Earle raved about Aina after this performance. It was his brilliant tackle on Omar Marmoush that led to Forest scoring the winning goal against City and his defensive work was outstanding throughout.

In the aftermath of the game, some statistics have come to light and it would appear as though Aina is now one of the top right-backs in Europe.

Who Scored showcase that Aina has won possession in the defensive third and at least 13 times more than any other player currently playing in Europe’s top five leagues this season.

Aina has won the ball in a defensive area on 105 occasions and it more than justifies what everyone has been saying about the Nigerian for his performances this season.

Ola Aina stats vs Manchester City

This was a performance that typified what Aina is all about. He is another player who gives his all in every game and it was Aina who put the footage of Espirito Santo dancing in the dressing room on social media.

Aina is in talks with Forest over a new deal. Given his current form, he’d be well within his rights to ask for a hefty pay rise given just how integral he’s proved to the Reds this season.

At 28-years-old, Aina is in his peak. He has many more years left ahead of him and it’s important that Forest avoid losing him for free in the coming years.

Against City, Aina produced a brilliant performance to give Forest a four-point cushion over the reigning champions and the hope will be that more displays of this nature can take place before the season finishes.