The short version
- Nottingham Forest have lost five of their first eight matches this season, placing them in the bottom tier of the Premier League table.
- Manager Oliver Glasner defends his approach by citing past slow starts at Crystal Palace that eventually led to significant trophy success.
- Statistical data reveals a severe lack of finishing efficiency, with the team recording the league's worst expected goals differential and lowest conversion rate.
Nottingham Forest are currently navigating a difficult period in their campaign, having lost five of their opening eight fixtures across all competitions. This poor run of results has left the club sitting in the Premier League relegation zone, a position that contrasts sharply with the expectations set when Oliver Glasner was appointed in the summer. The manager arrived from Crystal Palace with a reputation for tactical discipline and recent success, including winning the FA Cup and Conference League. However, the immediate impact on the pitch has been underwhelming, raising questions about whether the new system is taking time to bed in or if fundamental issues remain unresolved.
Despite the scoreboard suggesting crisis, there is a notable sense of calm within the club hierarchy. Glasner has publicly expressed belief that his team deserves better results given the chances created, though he acknowledges the frustration of not converting those opportunities. He has drawn parallels to his own managerial history at Crystal Palace, where he also experienced slow starts before achieving breakthrough success. In his first full season with the Eagles, he did not win any of the initial eight games, yet the campaign culminated in a historic FA Cup victory. Glasner uses this precedent to argue that patience is required as the squad adapts to his methods.
The manager has emphasized that he is not a magician and has discussed these early struggles with owner Evangelos Marinakis. He notes that Marinakis shares an intense ambition for success, which aligns with Glasner’s own drive to replicate the trophies won at Palace. The coach insists that progress is being made internally, even if it has not yet translated into points. He highlights the importance of having a clear strategy and maintaining consistency, contrasting his approach with previous managers who had shorter tenures. Ange Postecoglou lasted only 39 days, Sean Dyche just over 100, and Vitor Pereira was dismissed shortly after securing Europa League qualification.
On the field, Glasner is beginning to establish a preferred lineup, with several players starting every league game so far. Neco Williams, Matz Sels, Dan Ndoye, Murillo, and James McAtee have formed a consistent core, while Morgan Gibbs-White missed recent action due to injury. Conversely, some high-profile signings and established figures have seen limited playing time. Captain Ryan Yates has not featured at all, Ibrahim Sangare has made only one start despite signing a new contract, and Callum Hudson-Odoi’s minutes have been restricted. Ola Aina has also lost his place to new wing-back Daniel Munoz, indicating Glasner’s willingness to make bold personnel changes.
The players appear aware of the growing pressure and expectation surrounding their performance. Defender Murillo noted that the team is still absorbing Glasner’s ideas after a complete system overhaul. He suggested that improvement is incremental and that the squad is close to reaching its potential. The group believes that confidence is building, aided by the experience within the dressing room. They recognize the difficulty of the Premier League but remain committed to the process, trusting that the tactical adjustments will eventually yield positive results.
Statistical analysis paints a concerning picture regarding Forest’s attacking output. The team has scored only five goals in the league this season while suffering an expected goals differential of -6.20, the worst in the division. They have taken 120 shots, the third-highest total behind Manchester United and Brighton, but only 25 have been on target. This inefficiency is highlighted by a conversion rate of just 4.17%, which is the lowest among all Premier League clubs. Against Arsenal, Forest had 14 attempts but only two were accurate, underscoring their lack of cutting edge in front of goal.
Home form has been particularly problematic for Nottingham Forest this season. They have failed to score at the City Ground in league play, extending a drought that spans eight hours and 26 minutes. In total, they have netted just eight times at home in 2026, with four of those coming against a weak Burnley side in April. Since November, they have won only two of their last 17 home league games. These struggles were previously masked by strong performances in European competitions, where they defeated teams like Ferencvaros, Porto, and Aston Villa. However, the domestic reality is starkly different.
Glasner has defended his striker Rory Delap, who was signed for £50 million this summer, praising his performance against Arsenal despite missing a crucial chance. The manager argues that top-tier teams rarely offer numerous scoring opportunities, often providing only two or three clear moments to win a game. If those chances are missed, the likelihood of defeat increases significantly. As Forest prepare to face Ipswich Town, the focus remains on translating their underlying metrics into tangible results. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Glasner’s patient approach can overcome the current statistical deficits.
The contrast between internal optimism and external criticism defines the current narrative at Nottingham Forest. While fans and pundits point to the relegation zone position and poor finishing records, the coaching staff maintains that the foundation is being laid for future success. The consistency in selection and the clear tactical identity suggest a long-term project rather than a short-term fix. Whether this philosophy can withstand the pressure of a Premier League campaign remains to be seen, but Glasner appears determined to stick with his plan despite the early setbacks.
Looking ahead, the challenge for Forest is to improve their efficiency without losing the structural integrity Glasner has built. The team must find ways to convert their high volume of shots into goals, particularly at home where they have struggled significantly. If they can address these issues, the belief within the camp may eventually be reflected in the league table. Until then, the discrepancy between performance indicators and results will continue to fuel debate about the effectiveness of Glasner’s tenure so far.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗Forest's start raises questions - but belief in Glasner remains
