Matz Sels made an excellent save to thwart Brentford's Kristoffer Ajer
Sels played down suggestions Nottingham Forest will secure European football
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By JOE BERNSTEIN
Published: 17:30 EST, 22 December 2024 | Updated: 17:30 EST, 22 December 2024
Nottingham Forest’s record on the road is so good, their supporters sing ‘Win-away, win-away’ to the tune of The Lion Sleeps Tonight.
Their surprising appearance in the top four is based on a doughty defence, and goalkeeper Matz Sels epitomised the will not to concede with a brilliant, unorthodox save from Kristoffer Ajer on the way to a sixth clean sheet of the season.
‘He was really close so I wanted to go with my hands and it hit my face,’ explained the Belgian, 32.
‘It was an important moment in the game at 2-0. If we had conceded they would have been back in the game.
‘Defending is our strength. It’s the first thing in football, then we know we don’t need to score a lot of goals to win. A good tackle or intervention gives energy to the team.’
Forest’s blueprint of being mean at the back and ruthless at the other end condemned Brentford to their first home defeat of the season with goals in each half from Ola Aina and Anthony Elanga.
Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels made a superb save to thwart Kristoffer Ajer
Sels insisted that it is too early to say where Nuno Espirito Santo's side will finish in the table
Forest produced another impressive display and are currently in fourth place in the table
One consolation for Brentford was Ben Mee making his first league start for 10 months
Forest fans were talking of Europe as they headed back to the East Midlands on Saturday night but manager Nuno Espirito Santo and his players are trying to keep a lid on it.
‘We haven’t even played half the season,’ said Sels. ‘We need to reach 40 points as quickly as possible because then we are sure to stay in the league. After that we will see what’s possible, but it’s too early to say which part of the ranking we are going to finish in.
‘In the dressing room everybody was really happy and put some music on. But on the coach it is calm again.’
Forest’s result added to their victories at Old Trafford and at Anfield, and they took a point from Stamford Bridge as well. Only Liverpool and Chelsea have picked up more points away from home this season.
One consolation for Brentford was defender Ben Mee making his first Premier League start for 10 months. The 35-year-old’s experience will be needed with Ethan Pinnock injured.
‘I was quite pleased with the way I handled things,’ said Mee. ‘Hopefully I can get my sharpness up and be involved in the next few games.’
Anthony ElangaNuno Espirito Santo