Premier League commentator Darren Fletcher reckons Nottingham Forest's top-flight fate will be decided in matches at the City Ground rather than those away from home this season.
Second-half goals from Fabian Schär and Callum Wilson at St James' Park saw the Reds start the season with a 2-0 loss to Newcastle United. The result seems to have popped pre-season optimism at the City Ground in an instant despite holding the nouveau riche North East side scoreless for the best part of an hour.
Steve Cooper's side were the only newly promoted side playing away from home on the opening weekend, with Bournemouth and Fulham pulling off shock results on their own patch. Forest have their opportunity to do just that at the end of this week against West Ham United on Trentside.
READ MORE: 'Can't wait' - Jesse Lingard sends Nottingham Forest message ahead of West Ham clash
READ MORE: Joe Worrall issues three-word plea before Nottingham Forest vs West Ham
Fletcher is certain that their home will be where Premier League survival will be decided this season. "I think what we saw (against Newcastle) is almost that ‘welcome to the Premier League’ moment," he told the Garibaldi Red Podcast . "Sometimes, an individual has one where you kind of say to people, you know, ‘what was your welcome to the big time moment?’
"I think as a group yesterday, the team had that. They played against a very good and a very efficient Premier League team. I think they probably learned a lot of lessons. I think they probably saw quite a few shortcomings in terms of what they did and areas that they've got to improve. And the good news is they’ve still got 37 games heading forward to put it right, to work hard on the training pitch.
Fletcher continued: "And one thing you can say with certainty is that next Sunday against West Ham [United], playing on their own pitch, will be an entirely different experience for them and for the supporters too. If you think about how Fulham played at home against Liverpool and how Bournemouth played at home against Aston Villa.
"Whether Forest survive or not this season is going to be decided at the City Ground, on that pitch, in front of those full houses. So let's all just calm down a little bit. There's a long way to go. Players will come in. Lessons needed to be learned. The team needs to gel."
Do you agree with Fletch? Have your say in the comments...
READ NEXT:
Gary Lineker and Ian Wright agree about Nottingham Forest after Newcastle defeat
- 'Schooled' - National media verdict on Nottingham Forest defeat to Newcastle United
Steve Cooper makes key Jesse Lingard points after Newcastle United defeat
Steve Cooper gives stark Newcastle verdict as debutant makes 'tough' admission
- Tim Sherwood tells Nottingham Forest how to avoid Newcastle United repeat
