Nottingham Forest Aiming High After Defying Expectations

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.

The two-time European Cup winners might not be quite ready to recapture the golden days of Brian Clough's reign.

But Forest's lofty position is a welcome sign of progress after last season's relegation battle.

A deduction of four points in March following a breach of the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules left Forest in grave danger of dropping into the Championship.

The anxiety at the City Ground boiled over after a contentious loss at Everton in April, when the club's social media account accused VAR official Stuart Attwell of favouring relegation rivals Luton.

Forest eventually avoided the drop and have made the most of their reprieve.

New Zealand striker Chris Wood has been key to Forest's charge up the table.

The 32-year-old, voted the Premier League player of the month for October, has scored eight of Forest's 14 top-flight goals this season.

Wood has netted 22 times in 30 league starts since making his move from Newcastle permanent in June 2023.

Forest have also proved formidable at the other end of the pitch, with goalkeeper Matz Sels amassing the