Nottingham Forest shock with 'paradox'

Nottingham Forest are proving that possession is not the key to success in the Premier League.

"God wants us to play football in the clouds, he will let grass grow there." Brian Clough's immortal words have become a guiding principle for pragmatic football philosophy. If this legend were still alive, he would surely smile with satisfaction at the performance of Nottingham Forest this season - a team that has written a brilliant success story by going against the trend.

Winning with "contradictory" data

In the early morning of April 22, Forest created an earthquake with a 2-1 victory over Tottenham in round 33 of the Premier League, despite only having 30% possession. The team that struggled to stay in the league last season is now third in the Premier League table and is really challenging the big teams in the race for a Champions League ticket.

With an average of just 39.3% possession per game - the lowest in the league - Forest are breaking all the stereotypes about modern football. If they finish in the top four this season, they will achieve a feat never before seen in Premier League history: qualifying for the Champions League with a record low possession rate.

Leicester City won the Premier League in 2016 with 42.4% possession, Everton finished fourth in 2004/05 with 48.5%, but no team has ever succeeded with such low figures as Forest.

Forest’s strength lies not in keeping possession but in making the most of their chances. They excel at winning the ball back in the opposition’s half and launching lightning counter-attacks thanks to the pace and skill of Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi.

Early morning of April 22, Forest created an earthquake with a 2-1 victory over Tottenham in round 33 of the Premier League.

The game against Tottenham was a case in point: Forest scored two goals with just three shots on target, an astonishing performance that has become their trademark this season.

Forest lead the league in opening the scoring with 24, and when they have an advantage they rarely let it slip. Remarkably, they have not lost a game when leading 2-0 since October 2023.

The Steel Wall and the Great Goalkeeper

Not only are Forest's defence as sharp as ever, they are also solid. Nuno Espirito Santo's side lead the way in many defensive stats, including clearances, tackles and saves. They currently have the third best defensive record in the league, behind only Liverpool and Arsenal.

Goalkeeper Matz Sels, with 13 clean sheets, is a leading candidate for the Golden Glove award this season. His brilliant saves have helped Forest secure victory in difficult times.

"When we are ahead, our priority is to protect the advantage and defend well. We always support each other and do everything to protect the goal," coach Nuno Espirito Santo shared after the win over Tottenham.

Nuno's strategy is simple but effective: Forest accept the ball possession to the opponent, sit back and wait for the opportunity.

Nuno's strategy is simple but effective: Forest concede possession to their opponents, sit back and wait for their chance. When they do, they attack with speed and determination, making the most of every attack.

Fores proved that possession is not the key to success in modern football. Despite having little time on the ball, they are still extremely effective in both defence and attack.

If they can maintain this form until the end of the season, the club's loyal fans can dream of magical European nights at the City Ground next season - something that seemed impossible for a team that only returned to the Premier League two seasons ago. Perhaps Brian Clough was right: football doesn't need to be played "in the clouds" - sometimes pragmatic tactics and fighting spirit are the keys to success.

Source: https://znews.vn/nottingham-forest-gay-soc-nho-su-nguoc-doi-post1547869.html