Nottingham Forest had hoped for a more convincing start to the season following the appointment of Oliver Glasner and the acquisition of striker Liam Delap for £45 million. However, after seven rounds, the team sits in 19th place in the Premier League table with just five points. At home, Forest has yet to score a goal, earning only one point.
Despite the troubling results, there’s a sense of calm within the club. The hierarchy aims to move away from the incessant managerial changes that have plagued them in previous seasons. Glasner needs time to implement his game model, while Delap must regain his confidence and start finding the net regularly.
Why Glasner needs time
The Austrian coach is known for his tactical system utilising three central defenders and two attacking midfielders behind a striker. For the players at Nottingham Forest, adapting to these changes requires a significant overhaul of their established game mechanics, making immediate results improbable.
Glasner's previous experiences suggest that his teams often take time to adjust. During his first full season at Crystal Palace, the Londoners only managed one win in their opening thirteen league matches but eventually secured a mid-table finish and claimed the FA Cup. Similarly, his tenure at Eintracht Frankfurt also began with a rocky start before leading them to triumph in the Europa League.
Over the summer, Forest conducted a targeted transfer campaign. The club aimed to strengthen key positions without overhauling the majority of their squad. Notable signings included centre-back Osman Diomande and midfielder Xaver Schlager. However, the departure of Elliot Anderson has left a significant challenge in overhauling the midfield.
Statistics offer grounds for optimism
Despite their lowly standing in the table, the quality of Forest's play doesn’t always mirror the results. According to Opta, the team ranks seventh in the league for expected goals (xG), but has only managed to score five times, falling significantly short of that expected output.
The discrepancy between expected and actual goals stands at -6.2, highlighting serious issues with finishing rather than a lack of attacking potential. The data shows that the team has made 62 shots at home, yet they have been unable to convert their pressure into goals.
It's crucial for Glasner that any improvements become apparent to the supporters. Quality chances won’t yield points if the team continues to squander opportunities.
Delap needs to rediscover his scoring touch
Liam Delap's season has been a tough one as well. After a troubled spell at Chelsea, the striker moved to Nottingham Forest, where he is expected to be the main central forward. His lack of a full pre-season has complicated his transition.
Delap possesses speed, physicality, and finishing ability, yet these attributes have yet to translate into consistent goal-scoring. His contributions extend beyond just shots on goal; he actively presses opposition defenders and helps initiate pressure from the front.
In the match against Liverpool, his quick throw-in led to a key chance. A similar situation occurred against Arsenal, where Chris Wood failed to capitalise on the opportunity.
Pressure mounts, but Glasner sees progress
In the Arsenal match, Nottingham Forest allowed their opponents just one shot on target, which, due to a deflection, ended up as a goal. Glasner also pointed out the absence of captain Morgan Gibbs-White, who is vital for the team’s attack organisation.
“It feels quite unfair. We need to accept that we currently lack some elements. However, in many aspects, our performance was very good,” the coach stated after the match.
Forest's next challenge is a tie against Ipswich, where Delap will face the club where he started his breakthrough into senior football.
Inside the club, there's hope that Glasner's work and improved finishing will eventually lead to positive results. However, the patience of owner Evangelos Marinakis remains crucial; last season, Angel Postecoglou was given just three Premier League matches before being dismissed.
Glasner is already showing signs of progress in the team’s play, giving him valid arguments for staying in his role. Now, Nottingham Forest must convert positive performances into points, while Delap needs to prove he can be the striker that delivers the crucial goals.
