How Freedman delivered on his promise to Forest fans against Wigan

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Nottingham Forest picked up an impressive 3-0 victory over Wigan Athletic on Wednesday evening.

Nottingham Forest manager Dougie Freedman has already started to deliver on his promise that the Reds will play an attractive style of football under his guidance.

Freedman has utilised a direct approach at the previous clubs he has managed, but the Scot told Forest’s official website that he understands the demands of the fans at the City Ground following his appointment.

The Reds’ supporters expect to see flowing, attacking football and Freedman was adamant that he would be able to coach a style that could be aesthetically pleasing as well as effective.

On Wednesday night he made a great start by winning his first home game against Wigan Athletic 3-0 and has already managed to marginally improve the side’s passing statistics, showing that he intends to be a man of his word.

Forest made 10 more passes than they had under Stuart Pearce, on average, while their other distribution stats where relatively similar.

It is off the ball where Freedman has clearly had the biggest impact, though. The 40-year-old is known to have the ability to organise a side and the Reds have already benefitted from his guidance.

Forest are winning the ball much higher up the pitch than they were under Pearce and their pressing game seems much more effective.

Freedman’s side won the ball back in Wigan’s attacking third four times last night (compared to an average of twice under Pearce) and they also managed to dominate the midfield battle.

The Midlands outfit regained possession 37 times in the middle of the pitch, which is a marked improvement on the 21 occasions a game they were managing under Pearce.

It already shows a change in focus at the club and it makes Freedman’s start to life at Forest look even more encouraging.