Yahoo Sport 
Transfer joy, real deal, MGW truth - 10 things learned from Nottingham Forest's 10 Premier League games
Ten games into the Premier League season and it could hardly have gone much better for high-flying Nottingham Forest.
Tipped by many pundits for another campaign of struggle in the top-flight, on current form the Reds actually look more likely to challenge for the European spots instead. In fact, plenty of observers have been left eating a large portion of humble pie.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side take on Newcastle United in their final game before the international break today (2pm kick-off). And ahead of the City Ground clash, we pick out what we have learned about Forest so far this term.
Prime Wood
Chris Wood is in the form of his life at the moment - and long may it continue. He has netted five goals in his last four games in the Garibaldi, and has a tally of eight for the season overall.
There is every chance it will not be long before he becomes the Reds’ all-time top scorer in the Premier League. He is currently just one behind Bryan Roy’s haul of 24, and you would bet on him to be out on his own fairly soon. Nuno certainly knows how to get the best out of the New Zealander.
Transfer success
Much was made of Forest’s shopping spree during their first year back in the top tier. But it cannot be denied that recently the club have done some excellent work in the market.
A superb summer window is certainly paying off. Nuno has strength in depth across the pitch while still having the small squad he favours.
The signings made all look smart ones and have added quality to the dressing room. But just as important was what the Reds didn’t do during the transfer window.
Opting not to spend for the sake of it on a striker proved a wise move; likewise, the decision not to bring in another goalkeeper. The biggest plus for Nuno, though, was that Forest didn’t cash-in on any of their star men.
Pre-season pays off
Nuno had a number of challenges to deal with following his appointment last December. But come the end of the campaign, it was still fair to say he hadn’t quite convinced everybody he was the right man for the job.
No such doubts now. Just as he said it would, having a full pre-season with his players has been key. Not only did Nuno get the opportunity to really put his ideas across and stamp his influence on the dressing room, he was also able to foster a strong team spirit. The Reds are reaping the rewards of that.
Anderson a top prospect
The reaction in the north east to Elliot Anderson’s departure was telling. Newcastle United really didn’t want to let him go - were it not for financial reasons, they would surely have done their best to keep hold of him for many years to come.
The Magpies’ loss is very much Forest’s gain. Nuno has a real gem on his hands.
Anderson already looks a class act and his versatility has proved incredibly useful. And at just 22, he is only going to get better.
Dream partnership
Tightening up the defence was always going to be a priority for Nuno this term. The Reds looked to address their previously leaky back line by bringing in Nikola Milenkovic, and he has proved to be the perfect partner for Murillo.
Together, the two of them are a real force. Add in Ola Aina and Alex Moreno, plus goalkeeper Matz Sels, and Forest have a formidable rearguard. They have given very little away so far.
No Gibbs-White, no drama
If the Reds had been without Morgan Gibbs-White for any length of time in the past couple of years, fans could have been forgiven for breaking out in a cold sweat. After all, he is Forest’s talisman.
But the England international’s recent absence due to an ankle injury showed the squad now has sufficient strength in depth to cover for him. Nuno got his set-up wrong when Gibbs-White was suspended against Fulham, but in the wins over Crystal Palace and Leicester City, Anderson did a superb job in the No.10 role. Nevertheless, having their main man fit and available again is still a huge boost for the Reds.
Travel sickness cured
Away games used to come with a sense of dread during Forest’s first two seasons back in the big league. They could barely buy a win on the road.
This time around, they already have three to their name - plus draws at Brighton and Hove Albion and Chelsea. Nuno’s men look a completely different prospect on their travels this term. They don’t fear anyone or going anywhere, as that historic victory over Liverpool at Anfield in September demonstrated.
Nuno is a genius
That triumph on Merseyside was just one of the occasions where Nuno has got his tactics absolutely spot on. He won’t always get it right, of course, but so far he is very much in credit. Even the Portuguese being absent from the touchline due to a three-match suspension hasn’t proved disruptive.
Improved game management has been a big thing this season. Forest have been able to handle different challenges and secure results in different ways. They know how to see matches out.
The use of substitutes has played a part in that, with Nuno utilising his changes well. Players like Morato and Neco Williams, for example, can come on and help shut out the opposition. At the other end of the pitch, Jota Silva and Ramon Sosa have added energy in their cameo appearances.
READ MORE: 'To win the Greek league?' - Gary Neville blasts Edu decision as Nottingham Forest role questioned
READ MORE: I played 150 games for Nottingham Forest but I now run unique company after retiring
Pundits proved wrong
Gary Lineker has described himself as a “fool” for tipping the Reds for relegation. But he wasn’t the only one writing Forest off before the campaign got going.
Jamie Carragher was another one guilty of forecasting doom on the banks of the Trent. “I think Nottingham Forest have been close every season. And I think eventually the trapdoor opens,” he said in August.
Fast forward a few months and now those same observers are dishing out heaps of praise on Nuno’s men. No doubt the Reds will be happy to keep proving people wrong.
The real deal
On a similar theme, this Forest side look the real deal. They thoroughly deserved to be third after last weekend’s round of fixtures. They are mixing it with the big boys on merit.
This group has something special about it. They have a striker in red-hot form, a mean defence, midfielders who run themselves into the ground and players capable of performing magic in attack.
They are a team, too. They work together as a unit and are well drilled. The bond between the players is clear to see, and it translates into their performances. This already has the makings of being an exciting season.
