Nottingham Forest head coach Nuno Espírito Santo praised his side’s attacking quality after Chris Wood and debutant Dan Ndoye fired the club to an opening-day 3-1 win over Brentford.
Wood struck twice either side of half-time, while Ndoye marked his Premier League debut with a well-placed header. Nuno was delighted not only with the finishing but also the resilience of his side in protecting their lead.
Nuno Espírito Santo on the Win
“I was delighted the way the team defended! And of course, Chris and Dan scored beautiful goals. It’s a good start, but only the beginning.” — Nuno Espírito Santo
The Forest boss emphasised the importance of balance, highlighting both the defensive shape and the clinical edge his forwards showed in front of goal.
Chris Wood’s Red-Hot Scoring Run
Wood’s brace continued a remarkable record under Nuno. Since the Portuguese coach took charge in December 2023, only Mohamed Salah (30) has scored more non-penalty Premier League goals than Wood (29).
That tally underlines his importance as Forest’s focal point — a striker capable of both aerial dominance and composed finishing on the ground.
Dan Ndoye’s Dream Debut
Swiss winger Ndoye wasted no time making an impression. His first-half header from Morgan Gibbs-White’s lofted ball gave Forest breathing room and showcased the timing and movement that persuaded the club to bring him in this summer.
Nuno described it as a “beautiful goal”, and Forest fans will be excited by the prospect of Ndoye and Gibbs-White combining regularly this season.
Chris Wood vs Brentford – Key Stats (Premier League, Aug 2025)
| Stat | Chris Wood |
|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 79′ |
| Goals | 2 |
| Shots on Target | 2 |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 0.95 |
| Touches | 16 |
| Pass Accuracy | 75% (9/12) |
Summary: Chris Wood needed just 79 minutes to deliver a clinical brace, scoring twice from his two shots on target. With an xG of 0.95, he finished as expected — underlining his efficiency. Though limited to just 16 touches, his impact was decisive, continuing his prolific run under Nuno Espírito Santo.
Analyst Verdict
Forest looked sharp and purposeful, with Wood once again the difference-maker. Nuno’s men pressed aggressively, forcing Brentford errors, while Gibbs-White dictated tempo. From reviewing the game, Ndoye’s debut was encouraging — his energy and direct running could become a key feature of Forest’s attack.
Brentford, however, looked fragile under Keith Andrews. Without Wissa and Toney, they lacked a focal point, and their defensive lapses were punished. Andrews faces a steep challenge to steady the Bees after a rough first outing.
Key Insights
- Chris Wood has 29 league goals under Nuno, second only to Mohamed Salah since Dec 2023.
- Dan Ndoye scored on his Premier League debut with a well-placed header.
- Nuno praised both Forest’s defending and attacking quality.
- Forest opened with their first opening-day win since 2017.
What’s Next
Forest travel to Goodison Park to face Everton next weekend, aiming to build early-season momentum. With Wood already off the mark and Ndoye brimming with confidence, they will fancy their chances.
Brentford host Fulham in what already feels like an important fixture for Keith Andrews, who needs a response from his squad to calm early nerves.
Can Chris Wood outscore Mohamed Salah this season?
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