Vítor Pereira had promised Nottingham Forest would approach this assignment with a “Champions League mentality” and his players did not disappoint him.
A fabulous attacking performance not merely succeeded in ruining Sunderland’s lingering European ambitions but also lifted 16th-placed Forest to 39 points. That is within touching distance of safety and given Pereira’s team are now six points clear of West Ham and eight in front of Tottenham, the struggle to avoid the final remaining relegation place is surely between the two London clubs now.
Morgan Gibbs-White talks to Sky Sports
I didn’t think we could top the other day [against Burnley], but we did. It shows the character and confidence we have right now going into games. Most of it comes from the gaffer.
It’s been a difficult season but we’re settled now and we’ve got a good way of playing.
[On setting up Chris Wood’s goal] He’s had a tough time with injury, and then a few games back without getting his first goal, so the first thought in my mind was to give it to him. I had no doubt he’d tuck it away. He deserves it; he’s worked so hard to come back and help the boys.
[On his World Cup chances] My full focus is on getting Forest safe and seeing how far we can go in the Europa League. I can only control my performances here. Whatever will be, will be.
We’ve put ourselves in a good position [to stay up] but we’ve got a tough run of games so we have to remain focussed.
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