Nuno: Chris has been amazing since we arrived
BOSS PRAISES HOME SUPPORT IN DRAW AGAINST PALACE
NOTTINGHAM Forest moved out of the relegation zone on goal difference thanks to their 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace at the City Ground.
The Reds had dropped into the bottom three after being docked four points for breaching financial rules. But their point on the banks of the Trent, coupled with Luton Town’s defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, moved them back up to 17th.
They had to come from behind to do it, though. Chris Wood came to his side’s rescue with a terrific header in the second half to cancel out Jean-philippe Mateta’s opener.
Below is a look at what Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo had to say after the final whistle.
■On the performance and result...
“I think we did enough in the game to achieve another result but the game was not easy and it started bad for us. When you have the expectations of ‘let’s go’ and you concede first, the team shakes and it was not what we wanted.
“But overall, I think we were dominant and were in control. We had good moments.
“We produced a better second half – more pace and we were more aggressive. But it is not easy to play against Crystal Palace because of the shape they have – the spaces, the gaps and the pockets are not there.
“Once again, the team showed character. We are out of the relegation zone and we want to capitalise on this for the next one. We definitely need to climb up the table.”
■On Wood’s backward header...
“It was a very well-taken goal. Since we arrived, Chris has been amazing.
“As long as he is healthy and on the pitch, we know we can rely on him and he is going to deliver for us.”
■On whether the four-point deduction had a galvanising effect...
“It was a realisation that we are in a tough position. But from the point of view of the fans, we cannot ever complain because since I arrived there has not been one day when they haven’t supported us.
“It is up to us, with our actions, to engage the City Ground.
“Since the beginning of the game the crowd were amazing. It was evident to everybody that Palace were taking too much time to take the ball, immediately the City Ground reacted and started putting some pressure on that. It shows how engaged the fans are.
“We are going to need each and every one of them. Their support is so important for us.”
■On moving out of the relegation zone...
“It is very tight. There are some teams still involved in that fight.
“We have to focus on ourselves. This point is good, as long as we do something against Fulham.”
■On Gio Reyna’s performance as a substitute...
“He had an impact on the game. This is what we expected.
“He was able to control the possession.
“It was a good combination with Morgan (Gibbs-white) before the goal.
“Today, it was Gio. Tuesday is going to be another one.
“This is what we expect from all of our players – if you play one minute, help us and have an impact on the game.”
■On Willy Boly’s absence...
“He had an injury with the national team.
“I’m not sure about the timing. I’m not sure whether or not he is going to be available for Tuesday, we will have to assess him.”