Nottingham Forest’s Premier League survival push has exposed a clear issue: goals. With just 10 matches remaining and only two points separating them from the relegation zone, head coach Vitor Pereira has addressed the confidence challenge facing Lorenzo Lucca and his attacking teammates ahead of the trip to Manchester City on 4 March 2026.
Speaking before the 7.30pm kick-off at the Etihad Stadium, Pereira stressed that scoring in training does not replicate the emotional weight of match situations. The Forest boss believes belief and calmness in decisive moments will determine whether his side remain in the top flight.
Vitor Pereira on Lorenzo Lucca and Nottingham Forest’s goal drought
Forest’s struggle in front of goal has defined much of their campaign. Chris Wood, last season’s leading scorer, has been sidelined since October 2025. In his absence, responsibility has been shared but not convincingly claimed.
Morgan Gibbs-White leads the club’s Premier League scoring charts with seven goals. Callum Hudson-Odoi has three. Among the strikers, Igor Jesus has two league goals, while Lorenzo Lucca and Taiwo Awoniyi have one each in the competition.
| Stat (2025/26 PL) | Forest Leading Scorers |
|---|---|
| Morgan Gibbs-White | 7 goals |
| Callum Hudson-Odoi | 3 goals |
| Igor Jesus | 2 goals |
| Lorenzo Lucca | 1 goal |
| Taiwo Awoniyi | 1 goal |
source: sofascore match data – 4 March 2026
The numbers underline the broader issue. No consistent focal point has emerged, and as a result Forest often rely on moments rather than sustained attacking pressure.
Pereira made clear that the psychological element is central.
“You can score every day in training, but the emotional balance to be in front of goal and score in games is different. You cannot reproduce the situation in training because you do not have the pressure of getting a result. They need to be calm in the moment and they need to be confident. They need to feel the energy of our supporters.” — Vitor Pereira
Lorenzo Lucca’s position under scrutiny
Lucca scored on his debut against Leeds United following his January loan move from Napoli. However, he was left out of the squad for the 2-1 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion after a subdued performance against Fenerbahce days earlier.
Pereira confirmed he held talks with the Italian striker on Monday.
“We need to wake up and go to training with happiness, to prove in training that we deserve what we get. Life is like this. You need to prove yourself.” — Vitor Pereira
Having followed Forest closely over the past few weeks, the manager’s message has been consistent: meritocracy. Selection depends on daily standards, not reputation.
However, it remains too early to draw firm conclusions about Lucca’s long-term role. Much will depend on how he responds in training and whether Wood returns before the end of the campaign.
Taiwo Awoniyi offers alternative option
In Lucca’s absence at Brighton, Awoniyi came off the bench for his first appearance since January. Pereira described the Nigerian as “a fighter” and praised his mentality.
Awoniyi’s physical presence and direct style provide a different dynamic, particularly against elite opposition such as Manchester City where counter-attacking moments may be limited.
This suggests Pereira faces a tactical decision as much as a psychological one at the Etihad.
Key Insights
- Nottingham Forest are two points above the relegation zone with 10 games left.
- No striker has scored more than two Premier League goals this season.
- Vitor Pereira believes confidence is central to solving the goal drought.
- Lorenzo Lucca’s place is not guaranteed after being left out at Brighton.
- Taiwo Awoniyi is viewed internally as a viable solution.
What’s Next?
Forest travel to Manchester City on 4 March 2026 knowing any point would be significant. After that, the schedule eases slightly with fixtures against sides in the bottom half, which may define their survival bid. Pereira is expected to rotate based on form and training intensity rather than fixed hierarchy.
The coming weeks will likely determine whether Lucca establishes himself as the primary striker or whether Awoniyi and Jesus continue to share minutes. With margins so tight, attacking output could ultimately decide Forest’s Premier League status.
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