Nottingham Forest have defied expectations to reach their highest Premier League position in 26 years after surviving one of the most turbulent seasons in the club's history. Ahead of Sunday's clash with Newcastle, Forest sit third in the Premier League following three consecutive top-flight victories for the first time since 1999. Not since August 1998, when a 2-1 win over Southampton left Dave Bassett's side second in the standings, have they been so high in the Premier League. Nuno Espirito Santo's team have inflicted the only league defeat on leaders Liverpool this term and sit proudly above the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United.