According to Stephen Warnock, Nottingham Forest have surprised critics who expected them to struggle for survival in the Premier League.
The Reds were in tenth place at the start of the second international break, with a positive goal differential and only one loss in seven matches.
Only four players have scored more Premier League goals than Chris Wood, and Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic have been the Reds’ best defensive partnership in recent years.
On Match of the Day 2, Warnock expressed his satisfaction with the team’s progress following two seasons at the bottom of the division.
“I think they set up so well,” he stated about the draw with Chelsea. “When you remember back to the beginning of the season, I believe many people predicted that they would be in a relegation struggle. But consider this: they have Morgan Gibbs White, [Anthony] Elanga, and Callum Hudson-Odoi. They attack with great speed and can inflict significant damage.
“But Chris Wood is fantastic. Not only did he score goals, but he also served as a focal point, holding the ball up and relieving pressure on the team. Milenkovic at the back has also made them more stable, allowing them to withstand more pressure. When the squad knows that they’re good defensively yet have that pace and attack, you’re very content to sit in and say, “Do you know what? When we have opportunities, we’re going to take those fliers and make sure we go up the pitch. They have been clinical.
“The partnership between Elliot Anderson and James Ward-Prowse is also excellent. There’s almost a father figure to a new youngster on the street emerging. The old and young have really gelled nicely, and the midfield relationship is very solid.”
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