As VAR storm continues, Reds must focus on fight to beat the drop
FOUR GAMES LEFT TO SECURE PREMIER LEAGUE FUTURE
NOTTINGHAM Forest’s Premier League fate hangs in the balance as Nuno Espirito Santo’s side head into their final four games of the season.
The Reds are still just one point above the relegation zone on the back of Sunday’s 2-0 defeat at Everton. Their battle to secure safety is threatening to go right down to the wire.
Next up is a meeting with Manchester City at the City Ground on Sunday. In the meantime, they are having to deal with the fallout from the VAR row that has engulfed the club in the wake of the Goodison defeat, plus a likely ruling on their PSR points penalty appeal.
Ahead of the clash with the titlechallengers, below is our round-up of the latest goings-on Trentside...
GUNNERS’ SYMPATHY
The fallout from Forest’s three penalty claims and angry post-match statement on Sunday continues to dominate the headlines. The context to the Reds’ fury is, of course, that they have been on the receiving end of a number of controversial decisions this season.
And on that point, it seems they have an ally in the form of Mikel Arteta. Speaking on Monday, the Arsenal manager would not be drawn on Forest’s social media post after the full-time whistle at Goodison Park. However, he suggested improvements will be made to up the standard of officiating in the Premier League and expressed some sympathy with teams who feel they have been hard done by.
“I think we’re all trying to improve the game in the best possible way,” he told Football London.
“We are all aligned. Things are going to happen. They will happen in the future as well and when it touches you it’s very difficult and you have to sympathise with that because we’ve all been there.”
The Reds said they had “warned” the Professional Game Match Officials Board that VAR Stuart Attwell “is a Luton fan” prior to their clash with Everton but “they didn’t change him”. But Arteta did not want to get into a discussion on how officials are chosen for matches.
“I don’t know. We are not involved in that,” he added. “I am sure they are doing whatever they think is the best solution, the best process. It’s constantly under review, everything that we do is evolving and in constant evolution. They will try to get it better and better and I am certain that it will happen.”
UP FOR THE FIGHT
Neco Williams has insisted there is no shortage of fighting spirit in the Forest dressing room ahead of the final four games of the season.
But the full-back knows picking up points is all that matters at this point.
The Reds were not at their best on Sunday. Defeat meant they were unable to extend the gap between themselves and third-bottom Luton Town.
However, Forest argue the match could have panned out differently against Everton if their penalty appeals had not been dismissed. Williams made his feelings very clear after the match.
“The fight is there. But at the end of the day, we need to be picking up these points and results,” he told Sky Sports.
“It’s disappointing coming here and not picking up any points. It was just not our day. It seems week after week, it’s not our day – and that’s because of the people up in the room watching the VAR and the referees.”
THE RELEGATION PICTURE
The Reds have four games left to beat the drop. But the first team to be confirmed as dropping into the Championship could be confirmed this weekend.
Had Forest picked up three points at Goodison Park, Sheffield United
could have been relegated on Wednesday. But that was reliant on Nuno’s side winning on Merseyside and a victory for Everton over Liverpool in midweek.
However, a stay of execution for the Blades might be a swift one.
They could be relegated on Saturday if they lose at Manchester United on Wednesday night and then are beaten by Newcastle United on Saturday.
Even a draw or a victory at St James’ Park might not be enough for Chris Wilder’s team. Their relegation would be confirmed if Forest match or better the Blades’ result against the Magpies when Manchester City visit the City Ground.
TRANSFER TALK
Forest’s plans for the summer transfer window will be significantly shaped by which division they find themselves in. But such uncertainty hasn’t stopped the rumour mill from churning as the end of the campaign approaches.
The Reds already have a Brazilian and South American contingent, and reports suggest they have their eye on adding to it.
According to Give Me Sport, Forest are eyeing up Norwich City midfielder Gabriel Sara.
However, it appears they are not the only ones keeping tabs on the 24-year-old Brazilian. Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers are also said to have sent scouts to watch him.
West Ham United, Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig have also been linked.
Whether the Canaries would let Sara go may well depend on their own promotion hopes. If they fall short of a return to the top-flight, it seems they would not be prepared to let the player leave on the cheap with a £30 million price tag mooted.