David Moyes has certainly earned recognition for the job he’s done in his second stint as Everton manager, but as his side continues to climb away from relegation danger, he’s also taken the time to heap praise on another manager and team that has caught the eye of many across the Premier League this season—Nuno Espirito Santo’s Nottingham Forest.
When Moyes returned to Goodison Park in January, Everton was in dire straits, positioned just one point above the relegation zone in 16th place. The team was struggling to find its rhythm, and survival in the Premier League seemed far from certain. However, under Moyes’ leadership, Everton has not only secured their top-flight status but have also found a renewed sense of purpose and stability. Moyes’ ability to navigate through the challenging period following his return speaks volumes about his managerial experience and the belief he instills in his players.
By now, with only seven games left to play, Everton find themselves comfortably 15 points clear of Ipswich Town, who currently occupy 18th place. This cushion all but guarantees that the Toffees will be playing Premier League football again next season, a considerable achievement given the club’s earlier struggles. With his team now out of the relegation battle, Moyes has been able to focus on reflecting on the broader picture of the league, particularly regarding teams that have impressed him with their performances.
One such team that has captured Moyes’ attention this season is Nottingham Forest. As the Toffees prepare for a tough trip to the City Ground, Moyes was keen to speak about Forest’s remarkable rise under their manager, Nuno Espirito Santo. In his pre-match press conference, Moyes was asked if he had been surprised by Forest’s style of play, considering the progress they have made this season. Moyes, in his characteristic manner, gave a detailed and thoughtful response, expressing his admiration for the job Espirito Santo has done.
“They’ve surprised me from where their position was last year,” Moyes admitted, acknowledging the significant turnaround Forest has experienced under Espirito Santo’s leadership. “I have to say Nuno’s done an incredible job,” he continued, highlighting how Forest had gone from battling relegation in the previous season to challenging at the upper end of the table. It’s clear that Moyes holds a great deal of respect for Espirito Santo’s tactical approach, and his comments suggest that he believes the Forest manager has crafted a style of play that is as effective as it is exciting.
Moyes, who has spent much of his career in the Premier League working with teams that rely on solid defensive structures and a measured approach, is no stranger to understanding the importance of adaptability in football. His comments about football needing to be played in many different ways reflect his broader philosophy about the game. “Football has to be played in many different ways,” Moyes explained. “And if we’re only going to play football in one way then I think it’ll be boring.” Moyes’ acknowledgment of the diversity of playing styles across the league speaks to his tactical awareness and his understanding that football is evolving in a variety of ways, and different approaches can lead to success.
As he continued, Moyes expressed his appreciation for Forest’s overall performance this season, saying, “I think Nottingham Forest have had an incredible season and great credit to them.” His words emphasize that Forest’s success hasn’t come by accident; it is the result of a well-thought-out tactical approach and efficient execution, particularly in the defensive and transitional phases of play. This admiration is not just for the results but also for the manner in which they’ve been achieved.
One of the most striking aspects of Nottingham Forest’s rise this season is how they’ve managed to reach third place in the Premier League table despite having the lowest possession stats in the league. As reported by The Independent, Forest have averaged the least possession in the Premier League this season, yet they sit just behind the two heavyweights, Manchester City and Liverpool, in the standings. This statistic challenges the conventional wisdom that possessing the ball is a key determinant of success in modern football. In many circles, dominating possession is seen as synonymous with controlling the game, but Forest’s performance this season shows that this doesn’t always apply.
Under Nuno Espirito Santo, Forest have adopted a pragmatic and direct style of play that has served them well. The team has prioritized defensive solidity, minimizing the chances that their opponents can create, while also being ruthless when they win the ball back. This counter-attacking approach has proven to be incredibly effective. Their ability to spring quick attacks and exploit spaces left by the opposition has been a key factor in their success. The fluidity and efficiency with which Forest transition from defense to attack have caught the attention of many, including Moyes.
A prime example of Forest’s attacking prowess came in their memorable victory over Manchester United, where Anthony Elanga scored a brilliant goal after a lightning-fast counter-attack. The ability to move the ball forward quickly, with direct passes and pacey runners, has been central to Forest’s success. Elanga’s goal epitomizes the efficiency with which Forest have been able to turn defensive situations into attacking opportunities, leaving opponents with little time to recover.
Moyes’ comments, however, didn’t just reflect on Forest’s tactical setup; they also underscored a broader understanding of how teams can succeed without necessarily adhering to traditional possession-based football. While some teams rely heavily on holding the ball and dominating possession, Forest have found a way to succeed with less. The team has embraced a more counter-attacking philosophy that maximizes the strengths of their players. With fast, direct attacking options like Elanga, Forest are well-equipped to hurt opponents on the break. The team’s versatility and the ability to play in different ways have given them the edge in several matches this season.
Looking ahead, the prospect of European football next season seems increasingly likely for Forest. Currently sitting in third place, they are well on track to secure a top-five finish, which would guarantee qualification for the Champions League. If they continue to maintain their form, it will be a historic achievement for the club, as they have not played in Europe’s premier club competition since 1980. For a club that has endured a long period of mediocrity, the opportunity to return to the Champions League would represent a monumental achievement, both for the players and the supporters.
As the season winds down, Forest’s impressive league position has put them in a great position to achieve something special. They have played an exciting brand of football that blends defensive discipline with direct, high-paced attacking play, showing that possession is not the be-all and end-all in modern football. For Moyes, who has a wealth of experience in the Premier League, it’s clear that he respects what Espirito Santo has built at Forest and recognizes the value of teams that can adapt and thrive in different tactical environments.
Moyes’ praise of Nottingham Forest reflects a broader recognition across the league that football is constantly evolving. Teams like Forest, who can challenge traditional notions of how the game should be played, offer a refreshing and exciting alternative. It’s a reminder that success in football comes in many forms, and Nuno Espirito Santo’s Nottingham Forest has proven that tactical innovation and adaptability can lead to results that defy conventional wisdom. As they edge closer to a potential Champions League return, their incredible season will continue to be one of the most fascinating stories of this Premier League campaign.