Latest Nottingham Forest news as key January transfer window looms for new Reds boss Nuno Espirito Santo
Comparisons with Lionel Messi did the rounds on social media as Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood set about tearing apart his former club.
The 32-year-old was outstanding at St James’ Park. He became just the seventh player in Premier League history to score a hat-trick on Boxing Day as the visitors triumphed 3-1.
And what a treble it was! The first was a tap-in, but goals two and three were exquisite – particularly the second. Indeed, head coach Nuno Espirito Santo said afterwards he was looking forward to watching the way in which Wood made it 2-1 over and over again.
The New Zealand international has had his fair share of criticism since his move from Newcastle United almost 12 months ago. He hasn’t always been seen as value for money, given the Reds spent £15 million on him when a conditional option to buy was triggered during his initial loan.
Finding a way to get the best out of him was always the challenge. Wood is not Taiwo Awoniyi. And in the Nigerian’s absence, much of the time, Forest did not look the same team.
Nuno has found a way of playing which suits Wood. The front man did well against Bournemouth, then put in a man of the match display in the north east.
If he can keep up that kind of form, Awoniyi’s absence will not be quite so sorely felt. It might also lessen the urgency surrounding the need for a striker in January.
For a while, it looked as though the transfer window could not come soon enough for the Reds. They were in desperate need of bolstering their attacking resources as they struggled for results with Awoniyi sidelined.
If Wood regularly performs to the level he showed at Newcastle could Forest even get by without bringing in another forward entirely, particularly if Nuno is also able to get Divock Origi firing? Maybe not. But January can be a difficult window at the best of times, not least when it comes to trying to source players capable of scoring goals. Plenty of clubs are on the lookout for such additions and those selling are able to do so at a premium price.
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The Reds will be mindful of Financial Fair Play when the window comes around. They are also coming off the back of a second successive summer overhaul, so bringing in a raft of fresh faces again would not be wise. They do not need to do too much work; the main focus will be on overseeing some exits. Moreover, Awoniyi is making good progress in his recovery from groin surgery and may be back sooner than expected.
Nuno will have his own ideas of what business might be required. He has made clear he wants to work with a smaller squad but is eager to properly assess the players currently on the books before decisions are made.
Forest arguably do still need to add some firepower. But if Wood can continue filling the Awoniyi void, there is not quite the rush there once was to get reinforcements in the building. If the club do decide it is an area they still need to strengthen, they can at least take the time to ensure any deal done is the right one.
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