Nottingham Forest got off to a flying start against Brentford at the weekend, winning 3-1 to claim a big three points.
Nuno Espirito Santo is now into his second full season at the club and was rewarded in the summer with a new contract.
The Reds have tried hard to sign new players, with Igor Jesus, Jair Cunha, Angus Gunn, Dan Ndoye, James McAtee, Omari Hutchinson and Arnaud Kalimuendo all added to the squad.
It’s fair to say that the squad is now stronger than 12 months ago, with Forest increasing the quality of their signings with the Europa League on the table.
Although Nikola Milenkovic and Elliot Anderson proved good additions last summer, the strength in depth was sadly lacking.
Last night, the B-Team came up against West Ham and there was one player in opposition who Espirito Santo actually tried to bring to Forest in the summer of 2024!
West Ham United v Luton Town - Premier League
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Michail Antonio plays against Forest B-Team
It’s been a rough time of things for Antonio and frankly, it’s just great to see him back healthy and on a football pitch.
Antonio suffered a serious car crash, which threatened his life last season and subsequently, West Ham have chosen not to offer him a contract extension.
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They are however, going to let Antonio remain at the club to get fit and last night he spearheaded the attack as Forest beat West Ham 1-0 in the Premier League 2 curtain-raiser.
Forest tried to sign Antonio last summer, with Espirito Santo keen to sign the forward to bolster his attacking options.
Now, it remains to be seen what the future holds for the 34-year-old, and it would be great if he could find a new club before the end of the transfer window.
Forest can enjoy solid B-Team campaign
The Reds fielded quite a strong side away at West Ham last night and won the game courtesy of an Archie Whitehall goal in the first half.
The midfielder is a talented boy and with a strong physical presence, he might get some minutes for the first time in the years to come.
Zach Abbott was also in the team and started as a centre-back after being on the bench for the senior team on Sunday.
Forest are now very accustomed to playing Premier League 2 football and after this win over West Ham, there are early signs that success can be had this season.