02 Feb 2019 21:26:46
Just back from Birmingham and thought i'd share a few observations.

Too much long ball for the first hour. Murphy battled manfully but can't be expected to bring the ball down from 7 feet in the air when competing against two central defenders. Biggest problem was that we didn't win enough second ball following Murphy's aerial battles that resulted from the long ball tactic.

General passing and movement was poor for an hour but changed when Grabban and Bonatini were introduced as the extra man up front and their greater movement seemed to create more pressure and openings.

Biggest transformation followed the introduction of Carvalho who added skill, guile and neater passing. His movement and vision seemed to click Forest up a gear and helped create real opportunities for us. It's not his fault Forest paid what they did for him so I think we need to get behind the lad as he has real skill and can help open up defences.

Milosevic looked uncertain, but that's not surprising given he's only just arrived. Bonatini looked confident and lively and happy to give it a go. I'm not sure why Osborn has received criticism as once again he gave everything.

Sadly, Gueddy looked a shadow of his former self, despite his excellent work ethic.

2-0 flattered Birmingham big time. They looked average at best and were not tested by us until the last 20 minutes when we really upped our game. Neither did they put us under any sustained pressure.

In summary, a questionable long ball aporoach didn't work for us, but we looked more cohesive and played further up the pitch once we'd got more fire power and passing ability on the pitch.

Great turn out from Forest's away contingent as always!


1.) 02 Feb 2019
02 Feb 2019 21:57:08
Why don’t our managers have a go from the bloody start. Listening to posts we are going backwards again. Keep saying it would rather loose 4-3 than watch boring football. Brian Clough must be turning in his grave. What was the quote, if football was meant to be played in the air pitches would be in the clouds.


2.) 02 Feb 2019
02 Feb 2019 21:49:35
Good post Loving Feeling!


3.) 02 Feb 2019
02 Feb 2019 22:43:08
Very observant Sgetty.
Good informative post L F.


4.) 03 Feb 2019
03 Feb 2019 08:06:41
I agree rational and sensible post LF from someone who actually watched the game rather than listen or read rumours sites. MoN is a good manager and he will learn and we will not see the same side next week