What did Nottingham Forest look like?published at 08:27 BST 24 October
Nottingham Forest 2-0 Porto
Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Without the injured Chris Wood, who has been nursing a knee injury, Sean Dyche was robbed of his most potent weapon.
The striker scored 53 goals for Dyche at Burnley and despite his struggles this season, scoring just three times, still represents Forest’s biggest threat.
Igor Jesus replaced Taiwo Awoniyi and dropped deep to cause problems for Porto, pulling them out of position, before scoring his third Europa League goal to seal the game from the spot.
Dyche moved to a back four, with centre-backs Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic more comfortable, especially with Elliot Anderson and Douglas Luiz sitting in front of them in midfield.
Anderson was his usual energetic, all-action self, which allowed Gibbs-White more freedom going forward, flanked by Callum Hudson-Odoi and Dan Ndoye.
The widemen were utilised often, even if their end product was lacking at times.
Forest can perhaps slip back into their old ways under Nuno Espirito Santo – compact, counter-attacking and more pragmatic – quicker than adapting to the high press, high-tempo style Ange Postecoglou wanted to employ.
It certainly looked easier, with more fight, spirit and courage shown than under Postecoglou. The Australian could be forgiven for wondering where it was while he was in charge.
It ultimately earned Forest a first clean sheet in 21 matches, since a 1-0 win over Manchester United in April.
