Sometimes a reality check is required.
Nobody enjoys losing but it keeps everything in perspective. If Nottingham Forest had beaten Newcastle United on Sunday they would have been just a point behind Manchester City and firmly in third position.
Going into the international break, that would have been dreamland for Forest supporters. After all, we are allowed to dream. But maybe a check on our ambitions keeps Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad focused on the next run of games.
With the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City and Aston Villa coming up, the reality of this season will be laid bare by Christmas. Nothing is impossible, although you only have to look back a few months to see how far we have come.
Battling relegation for two seasons in a row, scraping by to get to the final games, seems a long time ago. But the same lessons apply – you can learn a lot from defeat, sometimes more than victory. The next two weeks are a chance for reflection on the past few months, as well as plans for the future.
The evident togetherness, unity and understanding in the squad has got us so far, and setbacks will always happen. Analysing how Eddie Howe’s team picked us apart in the second half will prove a valuable learning.
The solidity in defence has served us well, as has our pressing and counter-attacking.
However, while we will have our off days, there is no doubt Nuno is looking to further evolve our tactics so that we can be on a more equal footing in games against the elite clubs we aim to emulate.
As it stands, Forest remain third – albeit joint-third alongside Chelsea, Arsenal and Brighton. Nobody – absolutely nobody – predicted that after 11 games. So perhaps the reality check is as much for everybody else as it is for Forest.
Underestimate us at your own peril.
Find more from Pat Riddell at The Famous Club
