The City Ground Report - Season 33

[Adam Riley]

Zinchenko Returns as Forest Complete Swift Swap Deal

Nottingham Forest have moved quickly in the transfer market, announcing the re-signing of Oleksandr Zinchenko just days after his departure to Norwich City. In a deal that perfectly sums up the unpredictability of the pre season window, Forest and Norwich agreed a two for two swap involving senior and youth players.

Zinchenko returns to the City Ground alongside highly rated young goalkeeper Proctor, while Nottingham Forest have sent Noussair Mazraoui to Norwich, with youth keeper Lukjanciks also moving in the opposite direction. The deal allows both clubs to rebalance their squads ahead of the new campaign, with Forest welcoming back a familiar face who already understands the manager’s ideas.

Despite his brief initial spell, Zinchenko left a strong impression with his professionalism and versatility, qualities Forest believe will again prove valuable as the season approaches. His ability to operate in multiple roles offers tactical flexibility and added experience to the squad.

Manager Adam Riley reflected on the nature of pre season business, admitting that nothing comes as a surprise at this stage. He described the window as a merry go round, where situations change quickly and clubs must be ready to adapt. Riley added that Forest are pleased to bring Zinchenko back and feel the deal ultimately strengthens the group heading into the competitive phase of the season.

[Adam Riley]

Forest Start Season with Confident Win

Nottingham Forest kicked off their league campaign in impressive fashion with a deserved 2–0 victory over Southampton at the City Ground. Despite the visitors enjoying slightly more possession, Forest were far more dangerous in front of goal and created a constant threat throughout the match.

The breakthrough arrived in the 34th minute when Darwin Nunez finished confidently to give Forest the lead after a lively opening spell. Just four minutes later the hosts doubled their advantage, with Joao Pedro producing a superb finish to cap off a quick attacking move and put Forest firmly in control before the break.

Forest continued to press in the second half, finishing with 23 attempts on goal and 13 on target, forcing Southampton’s defence and goalkeeper into plenty of work. Joao Pedro’s excellent display earned him Man of the Match, as he constantly troubled the Southampton back line with his movement and creativity.

Southampton had moments, with Savinho their standout performer, but they struggled to convert possession into clear chances.

Manager Adam Riley praised his side after the match, saying he was pleased with the performance and the way the team started the season, adding that it was important to begin the campaign with a strong and professional display.

[Adam Riley]

Forest Dig Deep to Beat Wolves at Molineux

Nottingham Forest continued their strong start to the season with an impressive 1–0 victory away to Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux, despite playing over half the match with ten men.

The decisive moment came early in the contest. In the 14th minute Joao Pedro burst forward and calmly finished past Nicolas Raveyre, giving Forest the lead and celebrating passionately with the travelling supporters.

Forest looked comfortable during the opening stages, creating several chances through Matheus Cunha and Joshua Kimmich. However, the game dramatically changed in the 40th minute when defender Abu was shown a red card after bringing down Trevoh Chalobah as he raced through on goal.

From that moment Wolves piled on the pressure, creating a series of chances through Yoane Wissa, Fabio Ashworth and Igor Thiago. Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy produced several key saves while the Forest defence stood firm. Sebastian Revan delivered a standout performance at the back, making crucial tackles throughout the second half and earning Man of the Match.

Despite Wolves hitting the post and missing a late golden opportunity, Forest held on to secure a huge three points.

After the match, manager Adam Riley praised his side’s resilience.

“We showed real character today,” Riley said. “To keep a clean sheet away from home is always pleasing, but to do it after playing most of the game with ten men makes it even more impressive. The defence were outstanding and that kind of commitment will be vital for us this season.”

[Adam Riley]

Forest Held by West Ham in Hard-Fought Draw

Nottingham Forest were forced to settle for a 1–1 draw at the City Ground against an in-form West Ham United side, with both teams maintaining their strong starts to the Championship season.

West Ham arrived having won their opening two fixtures, and the game quickly developed into a competitive contest. The visitors created early chances through Lucas Cardoso and King, but Edouard Mendy was alert in the Forest goal, producing several important saves.

Forest gradually grew into the match and took the lead in the 28th minute. Karamoko Dembele struck a superb volley from the edge of the area, leaving goalkeeper Senne Lammens with no chance and giving the hosts a deserved advantage.

However, the lead lasted just six minutes. Divin Mubama capitalised on space in the Forest defence and fired into the top corner in the 34th minute to level the score.

The second half saw Forest push for a winner, with Matheus Cunha, Joao Pedro and substitute Darwin Nunez all going close. Lammens produced a number of strong saves to keep the visitors level, while Mendy denied Mubama late on to ensure the points were shared.

[Adam Riley]

Forest Begin League Cup Campaign with Sunderland Win

Nottingham Forest made a winning start to their League Cup group campaign with an entertaining 3–2 victory over Sunderland at the City Ground.

Forest wasted no time taking control of the match. Just four minutes in, Karamoko Dembele opened the scoring with a brave diving header after beating his marker inside the box. The early goal settled the hosts, who continued to push forward.

The lead was doubled in the 18th minute when Kevin Danso stepped up from defence and curled a superb effort into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Lucas Perri with no chance. Forest carried the two goal advantage into halftime after creating several more chances.

The hosts extended their lead almost immediately after the break. Oleksandr Zinchenko powered home a header in the 47th minute to make it 3–0 and seemingly put the game beyond Sunderland.

However, the visitors refused to give up. Harvey Barnes pulled one back in the 58th minute before substitute Eddie Nketiah added a second for Sunderland in the 72nd minute, setting up a tense finish.

Despite late pressure from Sunderland, Forest held firm defensively to secure the victory. Kevin Danso was named Man of the Match for an outstanding performance at the back, capping it off with his well taken goal.

The result gives Forest an important three points as they begin their League Cup group stage campaign on a positive note.

[Adam Riley]

Cunha Strike Secures Narrow Win Over Aston Villa

Nottingham Forest continued their strong start to the season with a hard fought 1–0 victory over Aston Villa at the City Ground.

The decisive moment came early in the match when Matheus Cunha produced a moment of brilliance in the fourth minute. The Brazilian forward split the Villa defence before executing a spectacular bicycle kick that left goalkeeper Harrison stranded and sent the home crowd into celebration.

Forest continued to create chances throughout the match, with Cunha particularly lively in attack. The striker tested the Villa defence repeatedly and finished the match with nine attempts on goal, though he was unable to add to his tally.

Villa responded well and created several opportunities of their own, forcing Edouard Mendy into a number of important saves. The Forest goalkeeper was in outstanding form, denying headers from Jonas Larsen and keeping his composure under late pressure as Villa pushed for an equaliser.

Despite a physical contest that saw several yellow cards shown, Forest held firm defensively to secure another valuable three points.

After the match, Forest manager Adam Riley praised the performance but also challenged his striker to push even further.

“We’re really pleased with the result because Aston Villa are a very strong side,” Riley said. “Matheus has been playing extremely well for us. He’s had more shots than anyone in the league, which shows he’s getting into the right positions.”
Riley added: “Now it’s about turning those chances into more goals. He got his first today and hopefully that gives him the confidence to kick on.”

[Adam Riley]

Late Joao Pedro Strike Sends Forest Past Newcastle

Nottingham Forest moved second in the League Cup table with a hard fought 1–0 victory away at Newcastle United, thanks to a dramatic late winner from Joao Pedro.

Forest faced a difficult challenge against the Premier League side, and the match proved to be a tightly contested affair throughout. Both teams created opportunities in the opening half, with Matheus Cunha particularly lively for Forest, testing Andre Onana on several occasions. At the other end, Edouard Mendy was in excellent form, producing a number of important saves to keep the hosts at bay.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Newcastle applying pressure and coming close on multiple occasions. Efforts from Wahid Faghir and Aaron Hickey struck the woodwork, while Mendy continued to stand firm in the Forest goal.

Just as the match appeared destined for extra time, Forest found their breakthrough. In the 90th minute, Karamoko Dembele surged down the flank and delivered a dangerous ball into the area. Joao Pedro reacted quickest, unleashing a powerful strike that flew past Onana and into the net to seal a dramatic victory.

Forest finished the match with slightly more possession and chances, but it was their defensive resilience and clinical finishing that ultimately made the difference.