Nuno Espirito Santo believes Nottingham Forest have taken a “big step” after a goalless FA Cup draw at Bristol City produced the first clean sheet of his City Ground reign.
Forest must fit a fourth-round replay into their busy schedule after drawing 0-0 with the mid-table Sky Bet Championship side at Ashton Gate.
But boss Nuno focused on the positives after a first clean sheet in his seven games at Forest, saying: “It was a good performance with two different parts.
“The first half was not so good, the second half much better. First half we did not control our pressure, we allowed too many balls inside and they created some problems for us.
“Second half we controlled the game, we dominated and did not allow chances.
“So that’s a big step for us to have a clean sheet. Something we are constantly looking for.
“We created chances in the second half but could not finish. So let’s now go for the second leg because Bristol City is a good team.”
Forest return to Premier League action at home to Arsenal on Tuesday, in 16th place and just four points above the relegation zone.
In what had been a hectic start since replacing Steve Cooper last month, Nuno had seen his Forest side score 14 goals and concede 11 in six games.
“This will definitely help us,” said the Portuguese. “Since we arrived we have not been able to keep a clean sheet.
“Conceding goals is something that has caused too many problems for us. Every game we score two or three goals, but we are conceding too much.
“I told the boys this is our first objective in the game, defend well and keep clean sheets because we have quality and talent to solve the game.
“As a team we must always look to defend well, be compact and not allow chances.”
Bristol City had beaten West Ham in a third-round replay and Ashton Gate was packed to the rafters again in the hope of witnessing another upset.
Forest had the only two attempts on target but there was no lack of endeavour from the Robins – who are 13th in the Championship – and they did cause moments of danger.
City head coach Liam Manning said: “The lads are actually quite frustrated in the changing room, a little bit disappointed.
“I get that and I quite like that, because the intensity, the competitiveness and the bravery we showed – especially in the first half – I thought was excellent.
“We missed a bit of composure around the box, that bit of conviction and cool head you need.
“But it’s another experience ticked off with a lot of positives.
“We’ve got another game now, but it’s a great opportunity and great experience to go up there and test ourselves again.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Man United are monitoring Nicolas Jackson Arsenal & Sporting CP now Mbeumo waiting for Manchester United to agree on the transfer fee with Brentford. lol CUCURELLA Trophy won by London Clubs this season Joao Pedro replies to an Arsenal fan who asked him to come to Arsena! Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, o...
The 22-year-old struggled for regular game time at Liverpool last season, and they are prepared to provide him with an exit route. The Englishman was outstanding during the under-21 Euros earlier this summer, and he was one of the best players in the tournament.He needs to play regularly to fulfil his tremendous potential. Staying at Liverpool might be detrimental to his development. It remains to...
The Premier League champions made their first move to sign the Sweden international from Newcastle United this week and are prepared to smash the British transfer record again to bring him to Anfield.Liverpool have already signed Florian Wirtz for a record £116million from Bayer Leverkusen and their huge spending is showing no signs of slowing with the club set to reach out to Rodrygo to disc...
According to a report from Argentine publication TYC Sports, the two clubs are currently in talks to get the deal done. It remains to be seen whether they can finalise an agreement quickly. The report claims that Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has personally requested the club to sign the World Cup winner. Aston Villa are also looking at alternatives. Meanwhile, Chelsea are keen on Martine...
Galatasaray in 'cold war' with Napoli over Osimhen transferGalatasaray are reportedly locked in a transfer 'cold war' with Napoli over signing Victor Osimhen permanently.Villa's Jackson pursuit would 'trigger' Chelsea bid for RogersAston Villa's reported pursuit of Nicolas Jackson would 'immediately trigger' Chelsea making a counter offer for Morgan Rogers.Man Utd eye Garnacho-Jackson swap dealMan...
Jude Bellingham Real Madrid 2025 FIFA Club World CupJude Bellingham has taken a decisive step in his ongoing battle with a shoulder injury by undergoing surgery to correct a recurring dislocation. The Real Madrid midfielder had been dealing with the issue since late 2023, often seen with heavy strapping on his shoulder as he played through discomfort.WHAT HAPPENED?According to medical assessments,...
Mourinho DuranFenerbahce have responded to claims that Jose Mourinho has already fallen out with 'disrespectful' new signing Jhon Duran on day one of pre-season.WHAT HAPPENED?According to Spanish publication Marca, Mourinho gave an angry interview to reporters after Duran was absent for the first day of Fenerbahce's pre-season following his loan move from Al-Nassr. The Spanish outlet attributed qu...
Real Madrid CF v Girona FC - LaLiga EA SportsRodrygo could be the beneficiary amid Vinicius Jr.'s contract standoff with Real Madrid, as the club could consider selling the No.7 this summer.WHAT HAPPENED?Tensions are rising at Real Madrid as Vinicius Jr. pushes for a significant pay raise and a hefty renewal bonus that could exceed the club’s wage ceiling. His demands come amid the arrival o...
Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid 2025Kylian Mbappe has marked the first anniversary of his arrival at Real Madrid with a heartfelt message to the club, expressing appreciation for the continued support since his unveiling at the Santiago Bernabeu. The French superstar completed his long-awaited free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain last summer and made an immediate impact in Spain.Kylian Mbappe Real Mad...
Manchester United v Liverpool - Premier LeagueFenerbahce are reportedly prepared to wait on Marcus Rashford despite the Manchester United outcast setting his sights on a Barcelona move.WHAT HAPPENED?According to Turkish outlet Hurriyet, via Sport Witness, Fenerbahce manager and ex-United boss Jose Mourinho is keen on being reunited with Rashford. Although the 27-year-old is eyeing a Barcelona swit...
- 1 FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Fixture schedule, group standings, knockout round, tickets, format & everything you need to know
- 2 Brooklyn Beckham's ex inspires Palmer as Chelsea crush PSG
- 3 Spurs get huge lift in Morgan Gibbs-White row
- 4 Model skips Lamine Yamal's party over 'weird demands'
- 5 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 6 Rashford becomes new club's 'priority target'
- 7 Meet Christian Norgaard's gorgeous wife
- 8 Jude Bellingham finally undergoes surgery on recurrent dislocated shoulder injury as Real Madrid confirm successful procedure for England star ahead of long layoff
- 9 Noni Madueke parties at Wireless with Jadon Sancho
- 10 Chelsea's wage offer to Jadon Sancho revealed