Nottingham Forest beat Brentford 3-1 at the City Ground to win an opening-day fixture for the first time since 2017.
Back then, Mark Warburton was trying desperately to make the team promotion contenders, but these days things are a little bit different.
Forest head coach Nuno Espirito Santo guided the club to Europe for the first time in 30 years with a seventh-placed finish in the Premier League.
Forest lost Anthony Elanga to Newcastle in the summer, but Dan Ndoye came in and bagged himself a debut goal yesterday the hapless Bees on the opening day.
After the game, Espirito Santo was impressed with Ndoye and it would appear that he’s made quite the impression on his teammates too.
Nottingham Forest v Brentford - Premier League
Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images
Elliot Anderson raves about Nottingham Forest debutant Dan Ndoye
It’s never easy making your debut in the Premier League but Ndoye looks like a great fit to replace Elanga and that’s just after a single game.
Ndoye’s goal came from a majestic ball by Morgan Gibbs-White and the finish from the Swiss winger was simply delightful, with his cushioned header leaving Caoimhin Kelleher stranded.
After the match had finished, Elliot Anderson spoke to BBC Sport and he had some big praise for the new City Ground star.
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He said: “He’s a bright player. Him scoring a goal will be a confidence booster and he’ll do really well.”
Dan Ndoye stats vs Brentford
Forest had to part with around £30 million to bring Ndoye to the City Ground and although he looks a slightly different option to that of Elanga, it looks like he will fit in no problem.
Ndoye grabbed his opportunity to score with both hands and that, in theory, should do his confidence the world of good for the rest of the season.
Dan Ndoye stats vs Brentford Total
Minutes 78
Distance Covered 9.2km
Top Speed 32.6km/h
Goals 1
The 24-year-old is only going to improve with more football that he plays and that can only bode well as Forest move into European competition this season.
Espirito Santo knows how to get the best out of his players and he will be encouraged by this debut from a player the club have spent a lot of money on this summer.