Nottingham Forest are in unchartered territory, and the blissful ignorance of their capabilities this season seems to be the driving force or rather Nuno Espirito Santo’s genius.
By the end of match week 10 in the Premier League, Forest will be in good company – the top four.
No thanks to a gassed Arsenal who lost this Saturday against Newcastle, and the inconsistent traditional big six, Forest could fancy their chances of being EPL’s “Ugly Betty” this season.
Espirito Santo is building this early success story brick by brick, relying on the veteran Chris Wood in attack.
Wood is turning back the clock, and is supported by the pace and directness of Anthony Elanga on the right and Callum Hudson-Odoi running the left flank.
A solid midfield pivot of Ryan Yates and Nicolas Dominguez, with a defence line anchored by the impressive Matz Sels, Ola Aina, Nikola Milenkovic, Murillo and Alex Moreno.
While they’ve not managed many goals (12); least of the top 8 teams, their defence have been impressive.
Forest have conceded just 7 goals – second to only Liverpool in the league so far this season.
In addition, they have only lost one game prior to Saturday’s fixture against West Ham, and will be remembered for their famous win at Anfield against Liverpool.
Nuno Espirito also engineered a draw at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea, despite playing a man down for 12 minutes.
It might be early days but the signs are good and the Tricky Tees might just pull off something terrific this season.