Nottingham Forest’s European return offered plenty of drama in Seville, with Igor Jesus making a strong case to lead the line under Ange Postecoglou’s new philosophy. The Brazilian striker scored twice in a 2-2 draw against Real Betis, continuing his fine scoring form after a brace at Swansea the previous week. His sharp movement and finishing inside the box underline why he was brought in from Botafogo for £16.5 million, and his emergence poses big questions over Chris Wood’s role in the squad.
Wood, who netted 20 goals in the Premier League last season, was left on the bench throughout. Once the focal point of Forest’s attack, the 33-year-old now faces stiff competition. Postecoglou’s preference for high-intensity, quick interplay seems tailor-made for younger, more mobile strikers such as Igor Jesus and fellow recruit Arnaud Kalimuendo. While the manager insists Wood remains “a big part of the team,” the writing may be on the wall as Forest transition to a new attacking identity.
Beyond the battle up front, Elliot Anderson’s rise continues to capture attention. The 22-year-old midfielder was the standout performer against Betis, dictating play with drive and composure. Once seen as a supporting figure to Morgan Gibbs-White, Anderson has now evolved into the heartbeat of Forest’s midfield. His recent promotion to the senior England squad reflects a player rapidly fulfilling his potential, providing Forest with both energy and intelligence in the middle of the park.
Despite the positives, Postecoglou still faces challenges. Forest have let leads slip in three of his first four games, exposing issues with game management and stamina late on. Injuries to key players such as Douglas Luiz, who departed at half-time with a hamstring concern, have further complicated matters. Substitutions, rather than strengthening the side, have often disrupted rhythm, a problem the manager must resolve quickly.
The occasion in Seville was still one to savour. Nearly 3,500 travelling supporters celebrated Forest’s first European adventure in 30 years, even if frustration followed with long holdbacks after the final whistle. Their passion will be on full display at the City Ground this weekend when Sunderland visit, giving Postecoglou his long-awaited home debut. With Igor Jesus in red-hot form and Anderson emerging as a midfield star, Forest’s journey into a new era is gathering momentum.
