Nuno Espirito Santo believes Nottingham Forest “can compete” against any team in the Premier League after seeing his side climb into the Champions League qualification places with a dramatic win over Aston Villa.
The Forest head coach believes the injury-time winner scored by substitute Anthony Elanga is indicative of the depth in his squad and the impact his players can have off the bench.
When asked if Forest can realistically push for a top-four finish this season, Nuno did not go as far as saying yes, but he did concede that he believes his side are capable of competing with any side in the top flight.
And he urged Forest fans to enjoy moments like this one, which followed up an equally memorable 3-2 success at Old Trafford last weekend.
“We are competing against all the teams in the Premier League,” said Nuno. “But it is not about that, it’s about preparing for the next one, focusing on the task ahead of you and realising that you didn’t achieve anything.
“Today is a big moment, let’s enjoy it together, all the fans, players. Enjoy it, have a beer… but we know that Brentford is going to be so tough. We are now trying to work on that, that is what is most important.
“But I think we should enjoy, because they are special moments. The previous game… today. Enjoy specially, because we want to do it together, us and the fans, today was very special. It was very, very special.”
Nuno was delighted for Elanga, who scored his last Forest goal in February last year.
“It means a lot for him. We have been asking for these actions (from him). But more than Anthony, it means a lot to the squad to understand that it does not matter if you start or not. It really doesn’t.
“The energy coming from the bench is so important. It was Anthony who had the big impact today. There have been others in previous games. You also have to look at (Willy) Boly, who has been away for so much time, but he comes back in (off the bench) and was so influential.
“I keep saying that to you guys, because I think we can compete, because it is about the squad.”
Forest are return to action against Brentford next Saturday.
(Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
