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New York Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Nottingham Forest review of 2024-25: A remarkable season that could have been even better
Remarkable has been an overused word over the past 10 months in Nottingham. But it has simply been a remarkable campaign for Nottingham Forest, as they found themselves challenging for a top-five finish for much of it, after having their fortunes transformed by Nuno Espirito Santo. While Forest ultimately missed out on a place in the Champions League — instead qualifying for the Conference League for next season — their seventh-place finish still ranks as a significant achievement. Here is The Athletic's review of what has been an eventful, colourful and entirely memorable 2024-25 season. The best season Nottingham Forest have had in three decades — but one that ultimately might have been even better. The seventh-place finish was the highest Forest have achieved since Frank Clark was in charge, in 1994-95, when they finished third. It has been an incredible transformation after two years fighting relegation — Forest are back in Europe for the first time since that Clark era. But there was also a sense of disappointment that Forest did not hold on to their place in the top five and secure Champions League football, with a place in the qualifying round of the Conference League somehow feeling like an insufficient reward. Perhaps the toughest question here. The win at Anfield? The 1-0 home success over Manchester City? Either of the victories over Manchester United? There have been so many notable wins. But it was not just the performance in the 7-0 win over Brighton at the City Ground in February, but the context behind it that made it special. Forest had just been beaten 5-0 at Bournemouth. But they responded by ruthlessly taking apart a very strong Brighton side, with Chris Wood netting a hat-trick. The goal that defined everything that has been good about Forest this season: Callum Hudson-Odoi at Liverpool in September. Anthony Elanga led a quick break down the right side, before firing a cross-field ball into the feet of his fellow winger, who still had plenty to do. But Hudson-Odoi cut inside two defenders to get himself into a central position on the edge of the box, before curling a sublime, perfect finish beyond the reach of Alisson. It was a very good goal, but it meant just as much for its significance as it secured Forest's first win at Anfield since 1969. After securing their first win at the London Stadium, by beating West Ham 2-1 in the penultimate game, Forest's players paid a touching tribute to Taiwo Awoniyi. It was a crucial victory that meant Forest still had a chance of securing a top-five finish on the final day. But it meant more than that, in an emotional sense, as Morgan Gibbs-White and Hudson-Odoi held up a shirt featuring Awoniyi's name and number up in front of the away end. The striker was recovering from emergency abdominal surgery to repair an injury sustained when he clattered into the post against Leicester City. After being questioned about occasionally playing the handpan when players went for meetings in his office, Nuno made a promise to the gathered media at his final pre-match press conference of the season that he would one day play for them. When he returned half an hour later with the instrument and plonked himself down on a stool, nobody expected what followed. With almost mesmeric flicks of his hands, Nuno produced a gentle, lilting tune that made you feel like you were in a posh spa, waiting for a massage. Ryan Yates on Nuno playing his handpan: 'It's like you're walking into a five-star hotel. Yeah, he's a very special man. Very different to anything I've come across before, but more than anything he's obviously incredible at his job. To orchestrate Forest (getting) to their first European football in 30 years? It speaks for itself. It's incredible.' Elliot Anderson. To be perfectly clear, the fact that he has flourished at Forest is not a surprise at all. He was regarded as being one of the brightest prospects in the Newcastle ranks before moving to the City Ground in a deal effectively worth £15million last summer. What has been a surprise is the position he has flourished in. Advertisement Anderson was signed primarily to add to the options on the left side, within Nuno's favoured 4-2-3-1 formation. But he has finished the campaign having established himself as the most important and influential option in the centre of midfield. If he can maintain his performance levels next season, he will surely be on the England radar. As the celebrations began following the penalty shootout win over Ipswich in the FA Cup, Nuno caught up with defender Ola Aina, as everyone in red ran towards the centre circle. The Nigeria international laughingly told his manager that he was feeling fatigued. Nuno's response was simply to give his player a piggyback into the melee of celebrations. Nuno said: 'He said he was so tired, so I said, 'Jump on'.' Dango Ouattara at Bournemouth in January. A looping far post header, a crisp left-foot finish, and a simple close-range conversion after Matz Sels had made a save all helped the Burkina Faso international to a hat-trick. Ouattara is one of very few men who managed to make Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic look defensively fragile. Champions League football would have earned Nuno a 10/10 rating. The stuttering finale to an incredible campaign brings his mark down to a nine. But the Portuguese has still done a superb job. He is the third most successful manager of the last half-century, behind Brian Clough and Clark, with Steve Cooper just behind in fourth. Will Morgan Gibbs-White join Manchester City? Forest's most creative influence and regular captain is among City's list of summer targets. Forest say they are comfortably within PSR limits and do not need to sell to raise money. But the situation is more complex than that when the most dominant side of recent years comes calling. Advertisement Securing Champions League football might have strengthened Forest's arm. Playing in the Conference League may not have the same impact. And the lure of playing under Pep Guardiola, one of the best managers in the game, would be significant. The England international would leave a huge void were a deal to be agreed. I knew that Ibrahim Sangare would turn out to be a midfield powerhouse for Nottingham Forest…
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Chelsea secure top-five spot to end Nottingham Forest's Champions League dream
Before kick-off, a giant banner dangled from the upper tier of the Trent End. It was an oversized brown tourist sign. 'Destination: Europe,' it read. Below that, a flag of a camper van with Nottingham Forest scarves flickering out of the windows. For Forest, all roads from here lead to the Europa Conference League and not the Champions League, which Chelsea will play in next season after two years away. First, however, for Enzo Maresca and Chelsea, is a trip to Wroclaw, a final against Real Betis, in the competition Forest will grace for the first time next season. For Forest, it was impossible to avoid the sense of anticlimax, despite returning to Europe for the first time since reaching the quarter-finals of the Uefa Cup under Frank Clark in 1995-96. In the end, the biggest boost of the day probably arrived 15 minutes before kick-off, when Taiwo Awoniyi emerged from the tunnel. The striker, who required urgent abdominal surgery and was placed in an induced coma after colliding with a post here against Leicester, was given a hero's welcome after walking on to the pitch tapping his chest and applauding all four sides of this stadium. Advertisement Related: Manchester City and Newcastle qualify for Champions League amid Villa fury at refereeing controversy: Premier League final day – live reaction This was a game of few openings but when the ball landed at the feet of Levi Colwill, after Pedro Neto was played in on goal, the Chelsea defender made no mistake, side-footing in the only goal of the game to confirm Maresca's side will return to Uefa's elite competition. Colwill does not score many goals – this was just his second of the season, his other coming against his hometown club Southampton – but this strike was as valuable as they come. Marc Cucurella recycled Cole Palmer's cross, headed away by Murillo, and Neco Williams inadvertently nodded the ball into Neto's path. Neto could not direct his effort goalwards but Colwill was free at the back post to score from close range. A cussing Nuno Espírito Santo shook his head on the sidelines. Forest had two good chances, both falling to their leading scorer, Chris Wood. The first came a couple of minutes before the interval, Wood volleying over from the former Chelsea defender Ola Aina's cross. Robert Sanchez asked questions of his defence but Forest failed to quiz Chelsea any further, allowing the visitors to coast to victory. Forest tried to force the issue in eight minutes of added time, throwing numbers forward, Colwill making an unforced error. The hosts created an opening in the 94th minute when Matz Sels, from inside the Chelsea half, looked for Wood. The Forest striker cushioned the ball superbly on his thigh but, under pressure from Tosin Adarabioyo, he could not keep his shot down and spooned it over.
BBC News
22-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Whatever happens, past nine months 'will live long in the memory'
The fact that Nottingham Forest are even close to qualifying for the Champions League seems like some kind of wild gained promotion to the Premier League in 2022 - after a long, long absence - we have battled relegation for two seasons and, for many, a solid mid-table finish was really all we could hope we have been that close to qualifying for the Champions League for so long that it feels a) incredible that we're still here and b) incredible that we have not actually done it already. Having won the European Cup two years in succession with Brian Clough in 1979 and 1980, and returned to continental competition with Frank Clark 30 years ago, it would mean everything to once again welcome the likes of Bayern Munich and Barcelona to the City course, a lot has changed since those days, and for a club - hopefully - on the up, it is not make or break for us. The team has outperformed everyone's expectations and to make the top five - in the year that the Premier League gained five places in the Champions League - would be an amazing end to an amazing season. Regardless of what happens, the past nine months will live long in the football is already a given, having secured a place in the top seven, and competing with clubs bankrolled by petro-states and billionaires is the kind of underdog status that Forest really thrive upon. We are not dependent on Champions League football for our bank balance and renewing our passports is, in many ways, exciting enough. That said, we are not just in it for the the manager and the players, they have given everything this season and Sunday is a time to celebrate and know that the pressure really is on our opponents. If we stick to our gameplan and play as we have all season, then the fans are with them no matter more from Pat Riddell at The Famous Club, external
New York Times
12-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Nuno, Marinakis and the day it felt Forest let Champions League football slip away
This should have been a day of celebration. It felt anything but. Nottingham Forest secured the point that confirmed their return to European football after three decades. Nuno Espirito Santo's side will be the first to represent the club in such company since Frank Clark guided them to the UEFA Cup quarter-final in 1996. Advertisement After consecutive seasons fighting against Premier League relegation, it is a remarkable achievement. But, for now, the prospect of Europa League or Conference League football looks like a consolation prize. It is not — and the scale of what Forest have achieved will surely be appreciated. But it feels as though their aspirations to reach the Champions League — a tournament they won in 1979 and 1980 when it was called the European Cup — are being torn to shreds. Their hopes of a top-five finish are rapidly evaporating, all in the unforgiving glare of the public spotlight. It had, for so long, promised to be a fairytale story, with Forest having climbed into the top four in December, only to slide away to seventh place on the back of one win in six Premier League games. In different circumstances, there should have been celebrations at the City Ground to mark the landmark moment of European qualification. Instead, the only fireworks were provided by the sight of the club's owner, Evangelos Marinakis, making his way onto the City Ground pitch to engage in an animated conversation with his head coach after the final whistle. It was an unusual, unexpected and some might argue ill-judged scene. Nuno said in the aftermath that the source of Marinakis' ire had been a 'miscommunication' that saw Forest play through stoppage time effectively with 10 men, with Forest having made their final substitution, immediately after seeing Taiwo Awoniyi pick up an injury. Marinakis later posted on Instagram: 'Everybody — coaching staff, players, supporters and including myself — we were frustrated around the injury of Taiwo and the medical staff's misjudgement on Taiwo's ability to continue the game. This is natural, this is a demonstration of the passion we feel for our club.' But even so, it was a conversation that might have better served both men had it played out behind the scenes rather than in front of the Sky Sports television cameras. Any frustration the Greek shipping magnate felt was understandable. His dismay and disappointment were shared by the majority of the 30,000 people within the stadium. Marinakis is an emotional character, a man who had developed a habit of standing in the City Ground tunnel after games to individually hug the Forest players as they made their way into the home dressing room following victories. Advertisement But the last time he could do that was on April 1, when Manchester United were beaten 1-0 here. Since then, Forest have suffered home defeats against Everton (1-0) and Brentford (2-0) and now a draw with Leicester City that felt every bit as painful as a loss. This was meant to be a day when Forest fans got to celebrate their rise, in stark contrast to the demise of their two biggest East Midlands rivals. Leicester's relegation back to the Championship was confirmed last month and Southampton's draw with Manchester City on Saturday ensured Derby County's points tally of 11 in the 2007-08 season remains the worst in Premier League history. Instead, by the end, Forest owed a debt of thanks to Matz Sels that the outcome here was not worse. The Belgium goalkeeper has kept 13 clean sheets, the most in the Premier League. But without the injured Murillo, Forest's defence did not have its usual level of resolve. A long throw into the box led to Leicester taking the lead, and their late equaliser came after an uncharacteristic moment of confusion at the back from Forest. There were moments where Forest looked more like their old selves, with Anthony Elanga's free-kick delivery perfectly picking out Morgan Gibbs-White to head home to make it 1-1, while Chris Wood made up for missing two decent chances by emphatically heading home a third opportunity. It was the New Zealand international's 20th goal of the campaign, but ultimately, Forest paid a price for their nerves and indecision at the other end — and for that miscommunication over Awoniyi. 'The good thing in life is that time helps; time takes care of all the grief and disappointment. So we have to give time, we have to recover the players and make sure we are in a better place at West Ham,' Nuno said when asked how his team might shake off their recent frustrations in the two decisive remaining games. 'We have to make sure we find the solutions in our final two games, because anything can still happen.' Advertisement Nuno is not wrong. Forest sit a point behind Chelsea and Aston Villa, who are fifth and sixth, and three points behind fourth-placed Manchester City. For so long, in the broader world of football, some might have considered the sight of Forest in the top three to be like seeing an elephant up a tree: nobody was quite sure how they got there, only believing they would fall eventually. In their two remaining games, at West Ham United and against Chelsea at home, Nuno's side still have an opportunity to prove their doubters wrong and haul themselves back up into the Champions League places. But if they are to do so, their first challenge should be to overcome any doubt that has crept into their own minds as the season reaches its finale.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Iconic matches that cemented Manchester City's legacy in football history
Iconic matches that cemented Manchester City's legacy in football history Manchester City's dominance in European football continually attracts sports betting enthusiasts and keeps millions of fans engaged with the club's stellar performances. The club has evolved through several management tactics to become one of Europe's elite clubs. Read on as we explore Manchester City's football legacy and the top five matches that have cemented their place in world football. We also discuss how the team's performances influence online sports betting trends. Advertisement Manchester City's Rise to Football Dominance Manchester City experienced modest success in the early years of the club's history. They won their First Division title in 1937 but were relegated the following season. The club faced a mix of performances, particularly in 1963 when they were relegated to the Second Division. However, a dramatic turn of events occurred in 1996 with the appointment of three different managers: Alan Ball, Frank Clark, and Steve Coppell. Each implemented various football tactics that revolutionised City's performances over the next three years. By 2000, Manchester City began breaking records, claiming the title for the highest number of goals in the Premier League and earning top positions in the league table. The years leading up to 2011 solidified their reputation in English football. Advertisement The Sky Blues ended the 2011/12 season triumphantly by lifting the FA Cup and securing their first qualification for the Champions League. The following season, they won the Premier League title for the first time in their history. Since then, the club has established itself as a powerhouse in both English and European football. Here is a summary of some significant events in City's history: Period Event and Accomplishment Impact 2012 Won first Premier League title Established City as a top English club 2016 Pep Guardiola was appointed as manager Start of City's dominance in English football 2017-Present Won every Premier League title except 2019-20 Became the most consistent team in England 2022-23 Season Won the continental treble: Premier League, FA Cup, UCL Solidified City's place among the greatest teams in football history Current Status Regarded as a favorite in sports betting markets Influences global football predictions and betting trends Top five iconic matches that defined Manchester City's legacy Throughout the history of the game, the biggest teams have been known to pull off some of the most iconic football matches ever. The Citizens have had several of those legendary football matches. Below, we discuss the top five Manchester City matches ever. Advertisement Manchester City vs QPR (2012) – The title-winning goal The 38th and final league game played by Manchester City against Queens Park Rangers in the 2011/12 Premier League season was iconic. City had an uphill task of claiming the winning point against Manchester United, who were two points up to win the league title. The game had reached its dead-end when Sergio Agüero drove in a dramatic last-minute goal at the 94th minute to secure Manchester City its first Premier League title. Winning the Premier League title pushed City up the ranks in world football. The club's success made it possible to attract world-class players in the following seasons, such as Fernandinho, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, and Raheem Sterling. Advertisement Winning the Premier League title in 2012 was a strong statement that Manchester City was ready to compete for Europe's most prestigious trophy, the UEFA Champions League. Manchester City vs Manchester United (2011) – 6-1 victory at Old Trafford Manchester City won their biggest derby victory against Old Trafford's Red Devils. The game was the second encounter between both teams, who were playing their ninth game of the 2011/12 season. Manchester United had been on a winning streak in the Premier League that season, and beating City would add to their streak. The first key moment in the match highlights was Balotelli's first goal, as he revealed his 'Why Always Me' shirt. Advertisement City dazzled the Red Devils with five stellar goals in the second half, claiming victory despite Darren Fletcher's consolation goal. This match sent shock waves around Old Trafford, imposing City's dominance in the EPL. Manchester City vs Bayern Munich (2014) – UEFA Champions League comeback One of Manchester City's iconic football games was against Bayern Munich in the 2014 UEFA Champions League group stage. The Sky Blues overturned a 2-1 deficit to pull off a stunning 3-2 defeat. The German side, led by Pep Guardiola, had already secured knockout qualification and were the favourites coming into the game. Despite goals from Xabi Alonso and Lewandowski in the first half, Manchester City's Kun Aguero scored two goals late in the second half to complete a hat-trick in the Champions League. The win cemented Man City's dominance in European football. Advertisement Manchester City vs Liverpool (2019) – Premier League decider The pivotal title-deciding match between Manchester City and Liverpool, played in January 2019, is likely to be remembered by fans of both clubs for years to come. This high-scoring game saw Liverpool enter with a seven-point lead over City. The top goal-scorers of the day were Roberto Firmino for Liverpool and Sergio Aguero and Leroy Sane for City. Ultimately, Manchester City secured a crucial 2-1 victory, allowing them to retain their Premier League title. Manchester City vs Real Madrid (2023) – Champions League semi-final One of Manchester City's most iconic moments in the Champions League occurred in front of over 52,000 fans at the Etihad Stadium. In the first leg, which took place at the Santiago Bernabéu, both teams shared a goal, with Real Madrid failing to impress their home supporters. Advertisement In the second leg, Guardiola's men took complete control from the very start. City produced a masterclass in possession, holding nearly 80% of the ball. Bernardo Silva scored two goals in the 23rd and 37th minutes, which helped to establish Manchester City's dominance in the second half. Despite a solitary strike from Toni Kroos, City controlled the game entirely, ultimately winning 4-0 and securing a 5-1 aggregate victory. How Manchester City's Success Has Influenced Sports Betting Trends The online football betting landscape in the Premier League has been impacted by Manchester City's recent performances in England and Europe. The number of punters who bet on sports has significantly increased. There's a steady growth in the following online betting markets: Advertisement Goal scorer predictions First-half vs second-half performance Total number of goals Tips for betting responsibly on Manchester City matches To guide you on your football betting adventure, we have provided the following tips: Set a budget and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses. Focus on research and statistics rather than gut feelings. Understand the odds and terms before placing a bet. Take breaks and know when to stop. Why Betiton is a trusted platform for sports betting? Betiton is a trusted platform for responsible betting, offering competitive football betting odds and a wide range of other sports, including basketball, tennis, and boxing. The expert team at Betiton is made up of skilled writers, experienced bettors, and sports analysts who combine their passion and knowledge to provide the best betting tips for UK punters. Conclusion Manchester City have grown throughout the years from humble beginnings to a dominant force to reckon with. The club's most sensational matches attest to its resilience both in the English Premier League and in European football. Today, millions of fans from across the globe watch Man City games, and the number of bettors loyal to the club keeps increasing. The Sky Blues have left a lasting impact on the game and continue to build on what can be termed a golden football legacy.
