The Reds bolstered their attacking options, but maybe should have turned their focus towards the back.
Zach Clough (number 10) signed for Nottingham Forest in January
It’s been two weeks since the January transfer window was slammed shut and Nottingham Forest officials were able to relax after signing no less than five new players, with four coming in on deadline day.
Attacker Zach Clough and winger Gboly Ariyibi were both signed on permanent transfers, while creative midfielder Joao Teixeira, forward Ross McCormack and midfielder Aaron Tshibola were signed on loan deals until the season’s end.
However, given the first three Championship fixtures of February, perhaps Forest needed more than attacking reinforcements if they are to avoid a relegation battle this season.
While they defeated Aston Villa 2-1, they then conceded eight goals in two games as a 5-1 defeat away at Norwich City was quickly followed by a 3-2 defeat at Fulham – a match in which they led 1-0.
Norwich’s Josh Murphy in action with Nottingham Forest’s Aaron Tshibola and Danny Fox
Villa should have scored more than one in hindsight as they racked up a fair amount of decent chances against Forest, with only the heroics of Stephen Henderson ensuring that the Reds held on for the three points.
Clearly defensive frailties are an issue, and an issue that wasn’t resolved when the chance was there. Whether or not that will be detrimental to Forest’s season remains to be seen.
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