Nottingham Forest’s 2023: A sad goodbye, that Arsenal game, and Murillo’s moment of near-magic
Nottingham Forest has had a colourful and tough 2023. Steve Cooper’s team did achieve their basic goal of simply achieving Premier League safety, but the year concluded with the head coach being replaced in the final few weeks.
Following another robust summer of transfer activity, momentum has slowed in recent times, culminating in Cooper’s departure after a record of one win in 13 league games. Nuno Espirito Santo, the former head coach of Wolves and Tottenham, has taken his place.
Cooper had done a good job of bringing order to the tumult of life at Forest for much of 2023. However, as we approach 2024, another fresh chapter begins at City Ground.
Here’s a look back at another memorable year for Forest as their Premier League journey continues.
Was it the moment safety was guaranteed against Arsenal at a joyful City Ground? Was it the celebration that followed at Crystal Palace?
It’s a tough call.
Taiwo Awoniyi’s goal secured Nottingham Forest’s second season in the Premier League versus Arsenal, and the stadium’s loudness reached truly absurd levels. It also announced the end of Arsenal’s title.
All that mattered was finishing outside of the bottom three, which was accomplished with one game to spare.
But that didn’t stop the fans who braved the long travel to Crystal Palace on the final day from partying from start to finish. Brennan Johnson waving a blow-up doll during the final celebrations will be remembered for a long time.
You don’t have to go far back for this — the 5-0 loss to Fulham in early December. It was the worst performance of Steve Cooper’s career, and it felt like it could be the last.
It was enough to compel Evangelos Marinakis to leave his Craven Cottage stand seat early. His accreditation was later discovered in a nearby bush.
It was also enough for the Forest administration to effectively decide to make a change, reaching out to various prospective Cooper replacements, including Julen Lopetegui.
However, the supporters’ consistent vociferous support throughout the game will be remembered for a long time. That was far from the lowest point. They were excellent from beginning to end. Unfortunately, this was not true for many of the athletes. While Fulham would not be his final game, it marked the beginning of Cooper’s downfall.
Most startling moment
Murillo, who was collecting the ball in the middle circle, noticed some space opening up in front of him at Selhurst Park.
Forest may have scored their season-best goal if the defender had been able to finish.
However, the supporters’ consistent vociferous support throughout the game will be remembered for a long time. That was far from the lowest point. They were excellent from beginning to end. Unfortunately, this was not true for many of the athletes. While Fulham would not be his final game, it marked the beginning of Cooper’s downfall.
Most startling moment
Murillo, who was collecting the ball in the middle circle, noticed some space opening up in front of him at Selhurst Park.
Forest may have scored their season-best goal if the defender had been able to finish.
However, the supporters’ consistent vociferous support throughout the game will be remembered for a long time. That was far from the lowest point. They were excellent from beginning to end. Unfortunately, this was not true for many of the athletes. While Fulham would not be his final game, it marked the beginning of Cooper’s downfall.
Most startling moment
Murillo, who was collecting the ball in the middle circle, noticed some space opening up in front of him at Selhurst Park.
Forest may have scored their season-best goal if the defender had been able to finish.
However, the supporters’ consistent vociferous support throughout the game will be remembered for a long time. That was far from the lowest point. They were excellent from beginning to end. Unfortunately, this was not true for many of the athletes. While Fulham would not be his final game, it marked the beginning of Cooper’s downfall.
Most startling moment
Murillo, who was collecting the ball in the middle circle, noticed some space opening up in front of him at Selhurst Park.
Forest may have scored their season-best goal if the defender had been able to finish.
However, the supporters’ consistent vociferous support throughout the game will be remembered for a long time. That was far from the lowest point. They were excellent from beginning to end. Unfortunately, this was not true for many of the athletes. While Fulham would not be his final game, it marked the beginning of Cooper’s downfall.
Most startling moment
Murillo, who was collecting the ball in the middle circle, noticed some space opening up in front of him at Selhurst Park.
Forest may have scored their season-best goal if the defender had been able to finish.
However, the supporters’ consistent vociferous support throughout the game will be remembered for a long time. That was far from the lowest point. They were excellent from beginning to end. Unfortunately, this was not true for many of the athletes. While Fulham would not be his final game, it marked the beginning of Cooper’s downfall.
Most startling moment
Murillo, who was collecting the ball in the middle circle, noticed some space opening up in front of him at Selhurst Park.
Forest may have scored their season-best goal if the defender had been able to finish.
Instead, his magnificent driving, twisting move into the penalty box, which took him past at least three opposing players, was followed by a double stop by Palace goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.
He may be Brazilian, but such performances from central defenders are unusual, at least since Wes Morgan last donned the Garibaldi.
