Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis is loving life at the City Ground and he was spotted congratulating his players after their impressive 1-0 win over Manchester City.
A return to European football is in Forest's sights following their victory at home to Pep Guardiola's reigning champions. Callum Hudson-Odoi bagged an 83rd-minute winner, beating Ederson at his near post to clinch all three points in Nuno Espirito Santo's quest for UEFA Champions League qualification.
The Tricky Trees are proving tricky opposition for the Premier League's 'big six' this season, beating Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and now City. Their win took them up to third, seven points above the fourth-placed Cityzens and eight above fifth-placed Chelsea, who face Leicester City tomorrow.
Marinakis Joins In The Celebrations With Forest Players
The Greek businessman has funded the Tricky Trees' rise
Marinakis has put his money where his mouth is since completing a takeover in 2017, investing £162 million in the club over seven years. There was initial criticism over his spending and the squad overhaul after their Premier League promotion in May 2022, but his vision has proven a success.
The 57-year-old high-fived and tapped every Forest player on the back in the tunnel after the City win. Rio Ferdinand, commentating for TNT Sports, spoke of the 'togetherness' built at the City Ground, and their owner is at the forefront of it. At a time when the likes of Manchester United's Glazers tarnish fans' respect for ownership, Marinakis has built a 'family environment'.
Nottingham Forest in the Premier League this season
Matches
Wins
Draws
Defeats
Goals Scored
Goals Conceded
Ball Possession
Clean Sheets
Duels Won Per Game
Today's goalscorer Hudson-Odoi joined Forest from Chelsea in September 2023 for a mere £5 million, a perfect example of how astute Marinakis' recruitment staff have been. He's one of several players thriving for Santo's side, with Chris Wood signed for £15 million on 18 Premier League goals and Matz Sels arriving for around £5 million, adding a 12th clean sheet to a league-leading tally.
Next up for Forest is visiting Portman Road to face relegation battlers Ipswich Town next Saturday (March 15). A victory over the Tractor Boys will put Santo and Marinakis one step closer to reaching Europe, which, if achieved, will be the first time the club have qualified since 1996.
All statistics courtesy ofSofaScore- correct as of 08/03/2025.
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