Post Match Reaction - Round 16

[Nick@ManCity]

Missing
Everton

Errors

bri
Error in conditionals (line 2)
Reason: Sign missing after MIN

ntf
Error: Player M_Gibbs_White is suspended

sto
Error: Player M_Rose is injured

[Hoa@Forest]

Nottingham Forest 2-0 Sunderland

Another positive result today! Moving up to fourth in the table is rewarding, but we're keeping our feet on the ground as we prepare for a massive test against Brentford next match.

Reporter: Congratulations on another win. You've mentioned Brentford next – how significant is that match now you're both in the automatic promotion places?

Thank you. Yes, it's certainly shaping up to be a significant fixture. Brentford have been the benchmark in the Championship this season – they're top of the table for a reason with just one defeat all season. They've been excellent so far this season.

But we're at the City Ground, and our home form has been strong. We've now taken 29 points from 16 games, which puts us level on points with Brighton in third and six behind Brentford. So while it's still relatively early in the season, these are the kind of matches that can make a statement.

What's pleasing is that we're going into it with momentum and growing confidence throughout the squad. We'll prepare thoroughly and believe we can get a positive result.

Reporter: Joe Worrall was named Man of the Match today. How important has his leadership been to your recent defensive stability?

Joe exemplifies everything we want in a Nottingham Forest player – commitment, leadership, and quality. Today he was simply outstanding, not just defensively but also in his distribution. Some of his progressive passing was really superb.

He's so important to our defensive unit that's now conceded just 16 goals in 16 games, which gives us a platform to build from. When your captain performs at that level, it lifts everyone around him.

Reporter: Can you give us an update on Ángel Correa's injury? How serious is it, and will he be available for the Brentford match?

What I can say is that it doesn't appear to be anything severe based on the initial evaluation. Hopefully he'll be available for Brentford, but we'll make that decision closer to the match. His well-being is our priority – we're thinking long-term, not just about one match, regardless of how important it might be.

The positive today was seeing Matt Smith come on and make such an impact. That's what you need in a promotion campaign – players who can step up when called upon.

Reporter: Matt Smith scored after coming on as a substitute. How pleased are you with the impact of your bench in recent games?

Extremely pleased. Championship success is built on having a strong squad, not just a strong eleven. Matt's goal today demonstrates that perfectly – he came in, adapted to the pace of the game immediately, and provided that crucial second goal that gave us breathing space.

Similarly, Harry Toffolo has been excellent when called upon, and Nicolás Domínguez continues to make an impact whether starting or coming off the bench. The competition for places is healthy, and it keeps everyone performing at their best.

What's particularly satisfying is seeing the understanding between players who haven't necessarily played many minutes together. That speaks to the cohesion and spirit we're developing throughout the squad.

Reporter: Calum Hudson-Odoi was involved in a lot of your attacking play today but couldn't get on the scoresheet. How do you assess his performance?

Calum was excellent today. I know attackers are often judged solely on goals and assists, but his overall contribution was outstanding. His movement created space for others, his pressing was intelligent, and he was a constant threat with his direct running.

He had a couple of opportunities that on another day would have gone in, but that happens. What's important is that he kept getting into dangerous positions and kept asking questions of the Sunderland defense.

What I particularly liked was his work rate without the ball. Championship football demands that commitment from attacking players. The goals will come for him – he's already had 9 this season and I'm sure he'll have many more.

Reporter: With Correa potentially doubtful and Cairney looking strong today, might we see a change in formation against Brentford?

We have several options available to us, and we'll assess everything in training this week. What's important is that we prepare a game plan that gives us the best chance of success against a very strong Brentford side.

One of our strengths is our tactical flexibility. We've shown we can adapt our approach depending on the opposition and circumstances. Matt Smith certainly made a strong case for inclusion today, but we also have other attacking options in the squad, with Morgan Gibbs-White coming back from suspension next game.

The most important thing is that whoever plays understands their role within our structure. We'll look at Brentford thoroughly and decide on the approach that we believe will be most effective against them.

Reporter: You're now level on points with Brighton and six points off the top. Has your target for the season changed given your position after 16 games?

Our approach hasn't changed. What's encouraging is that we're showing the consistency needed to compete at the top end of this division.

The Championship is a competitive league where momentum can shift quickly. We've put ourselves in a good position, but there are still 22 games to play. Brentford, Luton, and Brighton have all been excellent so far, and we respect the challenges they pose.

What I will say is that the belief within the squad is growing with each positive result. We're not setting any ceiling on what we can achieve this season, but we won't get carried away either. The focus now is solely on preparing for Brentford on Monday.

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Good game Chris, and best of luck for rest of the season!