Vítor Pereira's appointment as Nottingham Forest's fourth head coach in six months was initially seen as a gamble, but the Portuguese has fostered unity and form, leaving the club two games from Champions League football and close to securing Premier League survival.
At Stamford Bridge, Pereira made eight changes to the starting lineup, a decision that raised eyebrows, yet Forest led within two minutes and were out of sight by the hour. Taiwo Awoniyi scored twice on his second league start of the season, while Luca Netz impressed on his full debut. The victory extended Forest's unbeaten league run to seven matches and 10 in all competitions, following back-to-back defeats in Pereira's first two league games. With three matches remaining, they sit six points above the relegation zone. Away thrashings of Tottenham and Sunderland have demonstrated the attacking thrust under Pereira.
Pereira's man-management has been key. He speaks daily to each player to reinforce their value. Omari Hutchinson has revived after a slow start, and Pereira's tactical switches helped transform the match against Burnley, which Forest won 4-1 after trailing at half-time. In attack, Chris Wood's return has allowed a two-striker system with Igor Jesus, while Morgan Gibbs-White has flourished in a more freedom-based role.
The contrast with predecessor Sean Dyche is evident; Dyche stabilised the club, but players did not appreciate his methods. Pereira, who had a previous relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis, sought the role to manage a talented squad. Since his arrival, Forest have scored 19 goals in nine league matches, the most in the division, and would sit sixth over that period with the third-best defence.
Ahead of Thursday's Europa League semi-final second leg at Aston Villa, Forest hold a one-goal lead. Awoniyi praised the collective effort: 'Kudos to the manager and the staff – not only the people on the ground but the nutritionists, the physio. It's all about the team and looking forward to the next game. I believe it could be an amazing season for us.'
