Things are improving at Nottingham Forest under Chris Hughton but more needs to be done to turn the season around

Three games in and Chris Hughton’s Nottingham Forest are showing the signs of a much-improved squad than under their predecessor – but there are still notes of concern.

The Reds made it three games unbeaten under their new boss with a 1-1 draw at home to local rivals Derby County.

Hughton’s side were made to come back from behind following Martyn Waghorn’s stunning free-kick after half-an-hour, but the Reds showed tenacity and desire in the second half.

Before Lyle Taylor’s eventual equaliser, Sammy Ameobi and Joe Lolley all had chances to score – as did Lewis Grabban before his departure at half-time.

In the three matches since Hughton’s arrival, the Reds have scored three goals and amassed five points. Under Lamouchi, the Reds went four games without scoring or collecting any points in the Championship.

With Forest’s previous boss, Sabri Lamouchi, a tendency to play nervously until going a goal behind was common. On multiple occasions it would require Forest to concede before they would show their true level of talent.

Similar warning lights, however, have appeared in Hughton’s opening fixtures.

Against both Rotherham United the Reds came from behind to take a point. Meanwhile, against Blackburn Rovers, it took the Reds to have a poor first-half showing before revitalising themselves – eventually scoring through Joe Lolley’s deflected strike in the 90th-minute.

It was a similar story for Forest against Derby County and boss Hughton felt, based on his side’s first-half performance, they were not worthy of a draw.

“I’m pleased with some aspects.” he said afterwards. “We need to start games better. We probably didn’t deserve the three points because of the first-half performance.”

“I wasn’t too happy with the first-half performance.

“I thought we needed to be better on the ball and our movement needed to be better against a team who were happy to defend in a really good shape.

“When you’re up against a team like that, the obligation is on you to perform better.

“We showed more desire in the second half to get on the ball, we were quicker to it. They are some of the characteristics we’ve got to show more of in that first half.

“Anthony (Knockaert) had a really good impact on that second half and certainly we had more of the ball in their half and put ourselves in a position to create more chances.”

During the first-half against Derby, Forest had 56 % possession and just three of their five shots were on target.

While this improved after the break – Taylor scored, there was a further seven shots from Derby and possession rose to 62 % – there were still plenty of concerns.

The improved performance could, arguably, be put down to Knockaert’s cameo appearance. As Hughton explained, the Fulham loanee “played a part in changing our fortunes.”

The winger certainly made a difference, providing the corner from which Taylor stabbed home and he finished the half with a passing accuracy of 95.5 %, as well as 41 touches – although he did, of course, play 45 minutes fewer than every player but Lewis Grabban.

In recent examples, Forest have escaped with a point and – in the example of Rovers – even a victory. Against some of the more prolific, attacking sides, however, Forest must start from minute one rather than waiting to reach top gear.

Next up for Forest are trips to Luton Town and Middlesbrough. Victories over the duo, sat 12th and 11th respectively, would see the Reds reach 11 points and potentially rise as high as sixth – after the slow start to the season, how different a story would it be then for Forest.

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