More off-pitch headlines distract from Forest's on-pitch positivity
- Published
I wrote in August that a season of anonymity on and off the pitch would have represented progress for Nottingham Forest after the chaos of 2023-24.
However, last week's 拢750,000 fine from the Football Association, following April's controversial social media post directed at VAR Stuart Attwell, put the club back in the spotlight.
The FA called it an "attack on the integrity of a match official on an unparalleled scale", while sources say the amount was unprecedented.
It came after Nuno Espirito Santo and Morgan Gibbs-White were charged by the FA following the 2-2 draw at Brighton.
Maybe it has not taken the gloss off what has been a really encouraging start, but it is certainly an unwelcome distraction when the focus should be the on-pitch positivity.
There are clear improvements and Nikola Milenkovic has helped the defence in becoming one of the tightest in the Premier League this season, with only leaders Liverpool - two - having conceded fewer than Forest's six.
One criticism which can be levelled, though, is the reliance on Chris Wood for goals, with the striker scoring four of the Reds' seven in the league so far. Despite a positive transfer window, it is clear why the club wanted another striker.
That lack of clinical edge has cost the team already, especially at home, but Monday's visit of Crystal Palace is another opportunity for a first victory at the City Ground.
Palace have only beaten Forest at home three times this century and, with the Eagles still winless, the hosts must take their chances this time.