After a near perfect start to the Sean Dyche era at the City Ground, including progression to the knockout stage of the Europa League, this was something of a reality check for Nottingham Forest. Four wins from nine Premier League games since the 54-year-old's appointment two months ago had lifted Forest out of the relegation zone in time for Christmas - something that seemed improbable after one win, and the sackings of Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou, eight games into the season. The visitors were second best for large parts of the game at Fulham but could have fired themselves ahead within 10 minutes if Igor Jesus had controlled his finish after a neat play from Morgan Gibbs-White and Neco Williams.
After a near perfect start to the Sean Dyche era at the City Ground, including progression to the knockout stage of the Europa League, this was something of a reality check for Nottingham Forest.
Four wins from nine Premier League games since the 54-year-old's appointment two months ago had lifted Forest out of the relegation zone in time for Christmas - something that seemed improbable after one win, and the sackings of Nuno Espirito Santo and Ange Postecoglou, eight games into the season.
But despite sitting five points clear of 18th-placed West Ham, Forest will know they are not out of the woods yet - and that is why this defeat will feel like a massive opportunity missed.
The visitors were second best for large parts of the game at Fulham but could have fired themselves ahead within 10 minutes if Igor Jesus had controlled his finish after a neat play from Morgan Gibbs-White and Neco Williams.
Despite possessing so much quality going forwards, in particular Gibbs-White and Callum Hudson-Odoi, Forest finished with just two shots on target and an xG of 0.60 against a side who conceded nine goals in their three previous Premier League games.
During his time at Burnley and Everton, defensive discipline was at the heart of Dyche's plans - but to pull Forest away from the relegation zone once and for all, he will have to squeeze more out of his side's array of attacking talent.
Category: General Sports
