The rise (and fall?) of Nottingham Forest in the Premier League in 2024/25

The season started as many Forest fans would have hoped. The opening month of the Reds' third campaign back in the Premier League contained two draws and a narrow win, along with an early EFL Cup exit to its would-be champions: Newcastle. Mid-table after three games, and with the look of a side who might be able to escape the clutches of a relegation fight. In Nottingham, the feelings before the season kicked off were divided. Although many fans would have been happy to survive another season in a competition which had once appeared out of reach, others believed that given Evangelos Marinakis' considerable financial investment in the squad, the season could be an opportunity to thrive. Both groups were satisfied with the season's opening. Comfortable, but not threatening Europe. Not really.

Then came Anfield. On the 14th September 2024, a trademark Callum Hudson-Odoi whipped shot enabled Forest to overcome a Liverpool side who had won their first three games under new manager Arne Slot. A Liverpool side who would not lose again in the league until April.

The Tricky Trees now believed.

They weren't just there to make up the numbers. Not just there to survive. Mid-table? Nope. Pushing for a Conference League spot? No sir. Nottingham Forest had emerged as a potential candidate for the illustrious Champions League.

Chris Wood scores goals (20 to be precise)

Under Nuno, Forest liked to play in a mid-block, soaking up pressure and inviting opponents to cross the ball into the box, where one of Murillo or Milenkovic always seemed likely to come out on top. Nuno's genius was keeping his front four in an advanced position whilst out of possession. Chris Wood & Co would stay forwards, and then with the electric pace of wide-men Elanga and Hudson-Odoi, Forest would advance and often score. They were the counter-attacking kings. Not since Leicester City had the entire league been caught out by a seemingly new force. And just like their East Midlands rivals, pundits and bookies expected the Reds to fall away. Following a seven (!) game winning streak - which was only halted, by the way, by a draw against runaway leaders Liverpool - the tide turned. Firmly in the top four, fans started to believe.

The songs of "I really want to spend Thursdays with you," referencing the dream to play in Europe at any level, started to change the day to Tuesday. In second or third position, Forest felt untouchable. Chants about "Copenhagen, Leverkusen and Marseille," were upgraded to mentioning European giants: "Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Lazio, Roma."

But it wasn't to be. Teams began to figure Forest out. They gave them the ball. Allowed Forest the control. The antidote to Nuno's chaos. The one thing the rebel city didn't want. With control, the dream began to collapse.

With a loss at Chelsea, Forest are resigned to playing in the Conference League in 2025/26 after a 7th place finish. Oh, it's the hope that kills you alright.

The Forest fans have European football to look forward to over the summer