Nottingham Forest prediction made as Reds forced to…

Nottingham Forest prediction made as Reds forced to review Arsenal horror show

Nottingham Forest will be forced to have some "grown-up conversations" as they review a performance which made for uncomfortable viewing live... and will no doubt be even worse watching back.

Head coach Steve Cooper criticised his team for a lack of competitive edge as the Reds were humbled 5-0 at Arsenal. After becoming harder to beat as they made positive strides in recent weeks - and having seen off Liverpool at the City Ground - the visitors’ display in the capital represented a backward step.

Cooper does not want his players to shy away from that when it comes to reflecting on their thumping at the Emirates Stadium. And he believes acknowledging how they fell short will be crucial for bouncing back in home league games against Brentford and Crystal Palace before the World Cup break.

Read more, here.

Transfer decision

West Ham United defender Emerson Palmieri has admitted he had interest from other Premier League teams in the summer, amid suggestions Nottingham Forest were keen.

The 28-year-old made the move to the Hammers from Chelsea in a £13million deal during the transfer window. He had spent last season on loan at Lyon and had struggled to pin down a starting spot during his time at Stamford Bridge, leading to a summer exit being on the cards.

Left-back was an area the Reds needed to strengthen as part of their significant recruitment drive upon promotion to the top-flight. And they ended up bringing three in, in Omar Richards - who is yet to make his debut, having suffered a hairline fracture of the leg - Harry Toffolo and Renan Lodi.

But prior to the arrival of the latter, Forest were also said to have “enquired” about the availability of Emerson. The injury to Richards meant they were in need of another option, and they had already seen target Alex Moreno decide to remain with Real Betis.

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Predicted table

Nottingham Forest have had their Premier League fate predicted after a difficult start to their first campaign back in the top flight for 23 years.

Forest suffered another heavy defeat at the weekend, this time 5-0 at Arsenal to go with a 4-0 surrender at Leicester City and a 6-0 capitulation at Manchester City. It all means that Steve Cooper's side are bottom of the league, three points away from safety, with just two wins to their name.

Another two league games will follow before Forest break for the World Cup, and they will be hoping that playing those fixtures at home will pay off as they look to collect as many points as possible to climb out of danger.

Up next for them is Brentford this Saturday (3pm kick-off), followed by a midweek Carabao Cup clash against Tottenham Hotspur on November 9 (7.45pm kick-off) before Crystal Palace visit the City Ground on Saturday, November 12 (3pm).

Read more, here.

Pundit's verdict

BBC pundit Jermaine Jenas says that Nottingham Forest were "lucky" they didn't lose by more to Arsenal after repeatedly making the same mistake on Sunday.

The Gunners ran out 5-0 winners at the Emirates to return to the top of the Premier League table as the Reds were no match for their attacking prowess. Goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard and a brace from substitute Reiss Nelson condemns the East Midlands outfit to another week at the bottom of the standings.

Analysing the game on Match of the Day 2, Jenas says that Forest were positioned well in the build-up to the opening goal, but contends that Steve Cook should have impeded Martinelli's run.

"They just started the game poorly, Martinelli scores after five minutes," the Nottingham native said. "When the ball comes out to Bukayo Saka, they're in a good line.

Read more, here.

How many points will Forest pick up from the next two games? Have your say in the comments below

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