This was probably the best team performance we’ve seen this season. In contrast to Cardiff’s set of individuals, we had eleven men fighting for a common cause and desperate to earn those vital three points. Everyone played their part in the win, with the likes of Anderson and Earnshaw having much better games than in recent weeks. It was noticeable that in the closing stages, we looked the fitter side with the likes of Konchesky, Cohen, McKenna and McGugan covering plenty of ground. MOTM Camp made a number of key saves at important times, to keep us level in the first half and prevent them going ahead after the gift penalty.

To their credit, Cardiff started brightly and Camp had to make smart saves from Bellamy and Bothroyd whilst relying on Konchesky to clear another Bellamy effort off the line. Despite having the better chances, Cardiff still looked a little ordinary in possession and lacked subtlety in their build-ups. In contrast, we looked better in possession, even though it took us a little time to get going and start creating clear chances. Defensively, we looked solid with the two lumps up front for Cardiff resorting to falling to the floor every time Chambers or Morgan won another aerial challenge.

In an entertaining end to end game, we weren’t without our own chances. Anderson sent Earnshaw clear, only to see his effort ruled out for offside, when the former should have continued his dangerous run forward on his own. Cohen’s free kick found Earnshaw but he got too much on his close range header and it flew harmlessly wide when even missing it completely might have brought a better result.

Having looked like we won’t get the reward for a decent spell of possession and great inter-play, McGugan’s corner to the back post found Morgan to power a header into the roof of the net. With Cardiff increasingly on the back foot, Anderson combined with Earnshaw down the left and found McGugan whose effort clipped the bar. At this stage, we found ourselves in control and didn’t want the half to end.

The second half started a little disjointed with neither side really on top. We remained comfortably ahead, with only one effort, again saved by Camp, causing us any real problems. Suddenly, they found themselves back in the game following a shocking refereeing decision. McKenna clearly won the ball, no one claimed for a foul, yet the official saw fit to point to the spot and they found themselves level from nowhere. This only fired Cardiff up and one swerving effort from long range nearly caught out Camp but he saved well with his legs.

We continued to pass the ball well in midfield and look dangerous on the break and this proved to be the difference. McKenna continuing find performances he displayed in his early Forest career whilst McGugan looked a threat throughout with a definite return to form. Anderson looked much more threatening and was involved in a lot of the good moves we put together, with an end product to the runs he made. This sort of game was perfect for Cohen to show his energy from midfield with a number of neat touches whilst in possession, another player whose form seems to be returning just in time for the closing stages of the season.

The winning goal came from another neat build up in midfield. McGugan received the ball with his back to goal, suffered a bad tackle from behind but still managed to release Anderson, whose vision saw Earnshaw to score with typical ease.

As has been evident quite often this season, we look much more assured in the closing stages of games and never looked like surrendering the lead. We even had the best chance to extend our lead when Tyson won the ball in his own half, caught them on the break but saw his shot saved when both McGugan and McGoldrick were clear to his left. A strange decision not to release his team-mates but fortunately, one that didn’t cost us.

Tags: Games Won, MOTM Lee Camp

As each week brings a new challenge, this Forest team continues to show great mental resilience to keep battling through and prove that we are genuine contenders this season. Probably the greatest challenge so far awaits next Sunday, at QPR, but at least we have a rare week off to prepare after a number of games in quick succession. There is such belief in the team at the moment, whatever comes our way, we have enough desire and ability to overcome it.

We scored before Watford had even got started, in the first minute. Cohen’s run down the left, finding Earnshaw to tee up Tudgay to score with the outside of his foot into the bottom corner. The keeper got a hand to it and should really have done better but no complaints.

From that point onwards, Watford came to have a go and they were a little unlucky to see their efforts unrewarded. A number of crosses across our area failed to find the intended targets whilst Chambers short back pass needed Camp to make a smart save on the edge of his area.

Both sides looked decent on the break, with Cohen seeing one effort tipped over the bar and Earnshaw’s free kick flashed narrowly wide after McKenna was blocked when through on goal.

Another excellent start to the second half, should have seen us double the lead. Tudgay’s back heal fell perfectly for Earnshaw but he couldn’t hit the target from six yards.

Things calmed down a little as the game got a little scrappy but we restricted Watford to only a handful of chances. With Camp in such good form, it’s going to take something special to beat him at the moment. In another lapse of concentration, Chambers left Graham alone from a punt downfield but Camp came to the rescue.

Watford continued to take the direct approach but our substitutions brought some badly needed energy to the side and we looked pretty comfortable in the closing stages. Tyson in particular, caused problems on the break as he made a welcome return to the squad. We eased through the closing stages and have only conceding three goals in the final thirty minutes of any game this season.

Camp maintained his impressive recent form with another faultless display. He made a number of smart saves plus a series of clean catches from a number of Watford set pieces.

Chambers didn’t have the best of games but was still there when it counted. A dodgy backpass nearly gifted them a goal whilst a number of lapses of concentration against the dangerous Graham went unpunished. Fortunately, Morgan was back to somewhere near his best form with an improved display alongside him.

Gunter had a difficult afternoon against their tricky winger but supported the attack well on the break. Konchesky continues to add a solid edge to the left hand side, won a number of important challenges but struggled to find a red shirt.

MOTM Cohen had his best game for ages with an energetic performance. Unlucky not to score with a curling effort tipped over the bar and he seemed much more like the midfielder who carried us for so long last season.

Similarly, McKenna showed that we might not suffer too badly following Moussi’s unfortunate injury. He looked assured in the middle, won his fair share of tackles and took much more care when in possession. His driving run from deep, should have resulted in a red card when cynically blocked on the edge of their area by the last defender. In both cases, following Moussi’s injury, we badly needed someone from midfield to step up and they duly obliged.

Majewski looked lively for his time on the pitch whilst Anderson continues to threaten but often lacks that end product that his running deserves.

Earnshaw worked hard for the side, showing that we really defend from the front nowadays. Unlike last season, he continues to miss chances but played his part through the developing partnership with Tudgay. Finally, Tudgay has been a revelation since arriving. He’s a real worker in the front line, working their defence, winning unexpected headers and scoring vital goals. He looks intelligent in possession and has made us a much better side since his arrival through his ability to bring others into the game.

Tags: Games Won, Clean Sheet, MOTM Chris Cohen

This was yet another fantastic away result and the sort of game that we would probably have lost last season. For the second game in a couple of days we gave away a very poor goal but recovered well to take the lead. Fortunately, we weren’t up against Premier League class of opposition this time and had just had enough energy left to preserve the win.

We started the game confidently, with all the play in their half and the home side getting plenty of men behind the ball, it was almost like a home game. Apart from a free kick that flicked the bar, there was very little to concern us.

Having looked so comfortable, their goal came out of nowhere. A fairly straight forward cross from the left wing saw the defence in a rare mess, Camp saved one effort, Morgan couldn’t clear off the line and King tapped in.

This knocked us back for a little while but we soon got the equaliser that our earlier play deserved. McGugan took advantage of space in midfield to hit a speculative shot that swerved late and went straight under their keeper.

Tudgay’s perseverance earned us what turned out to be the winning goal. He wouldn’t give up the ball down the right hand, fought off their defender and released the overlapping Moussi. Despite pulling up with an injury, Moussi had enough awareness to pull the ball back for Earnshaw to fire into the top corner. The keeper got a touch but the ball was only going to end up in one place.

We had numerous other chances with Anderson getting clean through and rolling the ball wide, another decent chance presented itself to him but he decided to pass instead. Earnshaw was narrowly offside from Gunter’s through ball before missing the target. Cohen’s free kick fell perfectly for Moussi but his shot was straight at their keeper. We should have converted one of a number of good breaks as half-time approached but had to settle for a single goal lead.

The injury to Moussi in the build-up to the second goal was the one real negative on a good evening. Just as McGugan got this season up and running for us, Moussi has almost single handedly carried us through the past few weeks. He’s put together a succession of impressive performances, improved his passing and it remains to be seen whether McKenna can step up and fill this loss.

The second half start in a similar fashion with Cohen clean through on goal and deciding to square for Earnshaw instead of going for goal himself. The pass got intercepted and the chance was lost.

From that point onwards, it turned into a scrappy affair. Coventry improved slightly and we dropped deeper and stopped pushing them backwards. It was understandable given the short amount of time between games.

For all of his faults off the pitch, Marlon King looks in top form at the moment and was easily their most dangerous player. Lucky for us, his ability to control the ball and bring others into the game wasn’t matched by his colleagues. Whenever, they played a little football in the second half and got the ball to his feet he looked dangerous but he suffered from a lack of support.
The team needed strengthening and so Lynch and Adebola joined in to provide some badly needed height. A number of crosses from distance needed Morgan and Chambers to be at their best and they won a number of important headers.

We missed Tyson’s pace off the ball and in the closing stages lacked any pace. Every time we cleared the ball, it was only a matter of time before it came straight back at us. Despite the majority of the ball and a string of lumps into the area, we held out and Camp only really had to deal with the crosses.

MOTM Gunter showed a cool head in defence, taking responsibility when needed. He also found time to get forward and provide very good support down the right hand side when we caught them on the break.

Konchesky looked a very useful addition and showed a lot of quality in possession. He’s not going to hide from a challenge, won a number of 50-50s and looked one of the fittest players on display. He didn’t look out of place when pushed into midfield service when Lynch came on.

Tags: Games Won, MOTM Chris Gunter

The first double over Derby for years and there are signs that were finally addressing our away form. Last season we approached this same fixture in good form, lost our unbeaten away record and never recovered. Hopefully we can use this as a base to carry us for the important fixtures on the horizon. For the past few weeks, we’ve continued to slowly climb the table but remain under the media radar, after this result there’s bound to be more attention on us as a result.

We look a very settled team, despite the team changes over the previous weeks and have finally found some form on our travels. This combined with the ongoing home record makes us serious contenders again this season.

We started the game impressively with Moussi leading the way in midfield and everyone raising their games around him. We looked focussed, in control and only poor final balls prevented us from taking a deserved lead. McGugan also had one low free kick, after Moussi’s run, that was well saved.

Tyson and Anderson found themselves in space when running into their area but failed to make the most of the chances. Lynch also had a decent shout for a penalty when blocked at the far post from a corner.

Derby struggled to make any impression on the game as we had the majority of possession and regularly looked threatening on the break. They looked a pale imitation of the teams that have caused in problems in the past few years. They are clearly missing the likes of Hulse and with the poor form of Savage and Commons.

We should have scored at the start of the second half as McGugan broke into the area. But he rushed his shot when there was plenty of time to carry the ball forward before shooting. Savage was clearly struggling in midfield but to get replaced within an hour showed had far his form has fallen.

Having played so well and dominated in the first half, it looked as though we might have to settle for a point as Derby improved in the second half. However, the changes up front made the difference again. McGugan and Tudgay weren’t having a great influence on the game and replaced by Earnshaw and Adebola as we lacked a physical and clinical edge.

Tyson moved over to the left, skipped past a couple of challenges down the left, crossed for Anderson to head back for Earnshaw to score into the bottom corner from outside the area. On the balance of the whole game, it was nothing more than we deserved.

Derby pressed in the closing stages but we looked fairly comfortable apart from low Camp save. Tyson’s running off the ball kept the clock ticking with good possession in their half.

Camp made important contributions in the second half when Derby forced a couple of half chances. One flying save across his goal came from nowhere whilst another smart save in injury time preserved the lead. Throughout the game, his handling was impeccable with a succession of faultless catches from their set pieces to relieve the pressure.

In front of him, the defence looked pretty solid apart from one mistake from Morgan that needed a goal-line block from Chambers and clearance from Lynch to overcome. Lynch continues to add a valuable physical presence in defence whilst posing problems from attacking set pieces. The additional height through the inclusion of Lynch and Moussi ahead of say, Bertrand and McKenna makes us a tougher team to break down on our travels.

Star of the show, yet again, was MOTM Moussi. Derby simply couldn’t live with his presence in midfield as he completely dominated this important area. Right from the first minute, he charged through a couple of challenges, drove towards their area and only a poor pass selection prevented us from being through on goal. Tyson was desperate for the ball on the left but Moussi went for Tudgay on the right but the pass was over hit and the chance lost. This is easily the best run of form in his Forest career as McKenna continues to be overlooked deservedly.

Earnshaw deserved to be dropped in preference to Tyson but it had the desired effect for the closing stages and hopefully this will get him started for the season. Tyson again found the Derby defence to his liking with a number of dangerous runs down both flanks causing havoc wherever he went.

Tags: Games Won, Clean Sheet, MOTM Guy Moussi

Whilst this might have appeared to be a lucky win, Portsmouth offered very little throughout and shouldn’t really complain about the result. They took advantage of Gunter,s slip and caught us on the break. Despite a number of players defending, we couldn’t get the ball off Kanu and he scored with ease. Their only other effort was a Lawrence free kick that Camp tipped away from the top corner. Apart from that, they were only interested in protecting their lead and paid for it in the end.

Time and again we struggled we get ourselves going in the first half, hindered by poor passing and a strong cross-field wind. However, things improved after the break especially with Billy getting the substitutions spot on. They couldn’t deal with a sustained period of pressure but just when it looked like we’d lose our unbeaten record, McGugan’s quality shone through. We kept them forced back with a number of threatening set pieces and eventually the goals came. Moussi won a great challenge in midfield and found McGugan, his dangerous cross was turned in by Sonko for another OG with Adebola just behind him. A number of further corners almost won it until McGugan’s chipped ball from 50 yards found Tudgay to flick over the keeper and bring the house down.

Morgan did what was needed defensively but we continue to give him far too much obsession in defensive areas. Time and again we saw aimless passes drift out of play following another ambitious punt downfield. It’s not as if it’s the first time this has happened, he’s almost taken on the role of play-maker for the side. It’s not all Morgans fault though, this is a team game and someone from midfield needs to take responsibility and take the ball off him. Ramsey did this with ease during his brief appearances and we lack that from the likes of Moussi, Cohen and Majewski. Time and again, one of them will drop deep from midfield and then just give Morgan the ball back and the process starts all over again.

Lynch had another solid game and didn’t let any one down. His extra height he brings to the side is invaluable against the likes of Portsmouth but we obviously lose the ability on the ball going forward that Bertrand provided. Having said that, he still got forward when possible and showed a number of neat touches on the edge of their area that didn’t quite come off for him. Gunter had a day to forget defensively and never really adjusted to the windy conditions.

MOTM Moussi was the star performer again and is really putting together a decent run of performance. Probably his best series of games since he joined us but the continued lack of a new signed contract is a concern. It was his drive from midfield that kept us going when we were struggling and he looked dominant throughout. His passing still lets him down occasionally but the rest of his game made up for this. Last season, McKenna would have walked straight back into the side but he’s being kept out of the side on merit.

Anderson showed a few moments of early promise but soon drifted from the game. Cohen had a mixed game, looking out of sorts in wide areas but much better, in the middle, when we switched things around for the closing stages. Majewski was a little unlucky to get replaced as he wasn’t the worst of a bad bunch but the difference McGugan brought was noticeable. There was an arrogance to the way he strutted around, knowing that he was capable of turning the game in our favour. Two moments of quality from deep areas in midfield proved to be difference between the sides but the improvement in set piece delivery helped to build the pressure and keep us in the game.

Earnshaw is really struggling at the moment and lacks that spark and awareness in front of goal. Without those qualities, the game tends to pass him by and he struggles to make much of an impact. This drop in performance isn’t a recent thing, he’s been struggling for a while now. The fact he’s only scored three goals this season says it all really. Tyson posed much more of a threat in the later stages, looking for the ball over the top to use his pace. Adebola started to hold the front line together and present a physical presence to combat the size of their defenders. With Tudgay and Tyson either side of him, we looked a much more dangerous prospect. We’ve started to see a real impact from Dele in the latter stages of recent home games.

Tags: Games Won, MOTM Guy Moussi

Similar to the recent Cardiff away victory, this was an unexpected starting line-up but a resolute performance from a number of stand-in players and a creditable three points.

The winner must surely count as the luckiest of the season but importantly, it arrived in a game as close as this one. McGoldrick kept the ball alive down the left hand side and his pull back was tipped by their keeper onto a defender and over the line. We looked pretty comfortable at the back and on the rare occasions they got past Moussi, Chambers, Morgan then Camp was not going to be beaten.

With a little more quality going forward we would have made the game safe in the second half but one goal was always likely to be enough in a tight game. Anderson missed a one-on-one when clean through and Tyson missed a header that looked easier to score.

Camp had a reasonably comfortable afternoon with a few routine saves. One nervy moment towards the end following a mis-timed punch but Chambers got back on the line to see the follow-up clear the bar.

As in recent weeks, the stand-out players were Chambers and Moussi and were the ones mainly responsible for keeping Ipswich quiet. Chambers has been carrying Morgan for a number of games now and without Wilson’s on-going contract issues, he would surely have regained his place. Morgan seems to have gone backwards this season and looks clumsy and pedestrian compared to his defensive partner.

Lynch’s selection came out of the blue but he didn’t let anyone down and won a number of physical challenges until going off (presumably injured again). Certainly didn’t do anything particularly wrong but left back remains a pressing issue again. Gunter put in a typical 7/10 performance, never really put under too much pressure and got forward to support the midfield whenever possible.

MOTM Moussi is in the middle of his most consistent spell of games for the club. Time and again, Ipswich found their attacks ended by Moussi, patrolling on the edge of our area. The subsequent distribution sometimes spoils his initial efforts but from a defensive point of view, he’s doing all that could be expected from him at the moment. Should have scored when played through on goal in the first half but could only find the keeper’s legs.

Anderson and Cohen looked livelier in midfield than in recent performances but we lacked the passing ability of McGugan or Majewski to make the most of our attacks on the break. Cohen in particular looked more like the classy energetic midfielder he’s capable of being. Ramsey was reasonable but too many mis-placed passes spoiled his display. One through-ball to Anderson showed his awareness and ability on the ball. Tyson looked a threat in wide areas on the break but his performance will only be remembered for another poor missed chance. Only four yards out, not under any pressure but could only head tamely wide.

McGoldrick looked like a player working his way back from serious injury but credit to him for his part in the winning goal. Worked hard to keep the ball in play down the left and the pull-back was good enough to result in the own goal. A few nice touches and one half-decent long range effort but he’s still yet to really shine in a Forest shirt.

Tags: Games Won, MOTM Guy Moussi, Clean Sheet

The recent postponements appeared to do us a favour as a revitalised Forest side easily brushed Palace aside. If it wasn’t for the performance of their keeper, then it could easily have been a hammering. We struggled badly against Leicester, lacking our usual spark and energy but the recent break and changes in midfield produced a real benefit.

There were some surprises in the starting line-up, with McKenna unable to dislodge Moussi and Cohen relegated to the bench after a disappointing season so far. Ramsey also had to be satisfied with a substitutes role, however Tudgay made his debut.

Defensively we were rarely threatened, however that didn’t prevent impressive performances from the likes of Gunter and Chambers. Both produced important last ditch challenges to ensure a clean sheet and prevent any underserved reward for Palace. After a couple of poor misses earlier in the season, Chambers finally got off the mark for the season, getting on the end of McGugan’s pin-point driven corner. The same combination nearly produced another return in the second half but another save kept the effort out.

Too often this season, our midfield has failed to reach the heights of last season, with passing a real issue. After a dodgy opening spell, we soon took control of the midfield and looked comfortable throughout. Moussi did all of the dirty work, getting back to break up the few Palace attacks enabling the rest to concentrate on breaking down the visitors. Definitely a good day for Moussi but the real issue is repeating this level of performance every week instead of every one in three games.

MOTM Majewksi looked more influential, taking responsibility for relieving Morgan and Chambers of possession and getting us moving with quality and purpose. Too often this season, our defenders have retained the ball for much too long but today Majewski prevented this from happening. Once he got on the ball, mainly unchallenged, he was able to dictate our attacks and get us breaking with pace and quality. Having done enough damage, he earned a well-deserved rest and provided Ramsey with a twenty minute cameo. Even in this short time, his quality was evident and hopefully there is enough time of the loan remaining for us to see the best of him for longer spells.

McGugan continues to look a threat, even though his shoot on sight policy was to the detriment of the side on occasions. Even moved out onto the left hand side, he continues to pose problems in all areas and Palace never really handled him. A number of accurate set pieces saw us score once and created a number of other dangerous situations.

Anderson’s form has been a concern this season but there were signs of improved form after the break. Too often, he finds himself in good positions but unable to beat his defender or lacks the precision to find a team-mate. One impressive example of his pace saw him burst through on goal but couldn’t beat Speroni. A goal would probably do wonders for his confidence and get him started this season. His replacement, McCleary, rounded off the afternoon with a decent first touch and clinical low finish.

Earnshaw was unlucky not to score and saw a number of efforts well saved by their keeper. The early indications of his partnership with Tudgay were positive and there were certainly signs of an understanding already. On occasions, a little more appreciation of his team-mates would have benefitted the side. As with Anderson, a goal would get his season up and running again especially after missing another routine one-on-one.

Tudgay quality on the ball was evident, a decent first touch and good awareness with the rest of the side even at this early stage. Was involved with many of the decent moves we put together and showed great composure for his goal when faced with an on-rushing keeper. Unlike many time this season, we had two strikers working closely together and showing signs of forming a partnership. It's only one game but the team saw a benefit from having a footballer leading the line.

Tags: Games Won, Clean Sheet, MOTM Radoslaw Majewski

After the disappointing performance on Tuesday, this was a step in the right direction with another home victory and a much improved display. We freshened things up with a change in formation and personnel which had the desired effect.

With Bertrand suspended, Gunter moved across to left back, shifting Chambers to right back and most importantly, restoring Wilson back to centre half. In midfield, McKenna and Cohen protected the back four with McGugan, Majewski and Anderson rooming in midfield with the returning McGoldrick leading the line up front.

We escaped a couple of nervy moments giving the ball away badly in midfield but Ipswich weren’t good enough to take advantage. Having survived those scares we scored at important times to coast to a routine victory. For the opener, Majewski released Cohen down the ball to pull the ball back for McGoldrick to score off the post, a goal in the middle of a good spell for us.

Then just as it looked like we wouldn’t get that deserved second goal, McGugan continued his recent excellent goal scoring run. We broke from the half-way line and Cohen was cynically brought down 35 yards out. McGugan had nothing to lose, struck it sweet, heading towards the keeper and then swerving away with pace into the top corner. The keeper left with no chance by one of the goals of the season.

The second half was a fairly relaxed affair after the visitors had an improved early spell. One low shot through a crowded area was luckily straight at Camp whilst they had a number of decent openings spoiled by wasteful finishing. Only in the closing stages did they create any clear chances during which Camp excelled with a couple of sharp saves.

At the other end, Tyson, Moussi and Cohen all saw well struck efforts well saved by their keeper.

Camp’s faultless performance was a return to form after an indifferent start to this season. He produced a number of smart saves in between some wayward Ipswich finishing and showed immaculate handling from a number of crosses and set pieces during a few decent spells for the away side.

MOTM Wilson’s return showed exactly why he should be the number one centre back at the club. After losing his place to Chambers, he cruised through the game showing those moments of class that sets him apart. Hopefully this is the excuse needed to get him back into the starting XI and hopefully leading to a new long term contract.

Gunter’s reading of the game got us out of trouble on a couple of occasions. Morgan and Chambers did a reasonable job but too often over played with the ball and got us into unnecessary trouble.

In midfield, we looked much more energetic which saw us consistently challenging for the ball instead of lazily standing off the opposition without apply pressure. This tactic, used to good effect last season, allows us to win back possession and then break from deep with pace. The movement off the ball was also much improved and gave options to those looking to make a forward pass.

McKenna in particular looked much more effective with Cohen alongside him and led from the front with a number of important challenges. As soon as the captain started hassling the opposition then this set the standard for the rest of the team. Cohen, Majewski and McGoldrick all made tackles from nowhere. In contrast to last Tuesday, the midfield were everywhere and we looked a much better side as a result.

McGoldrick took his opportunity and his performance was an improvement on Blackstock’s disappointing recent form. Up against two burly centre halves he was never going to win much in the air but on the ground he linked up well and even won his share of tackles. An encouraging start for his this season.

Tags: Games Won, MOTM Kelvin Wilson, Clean Sheet