Nottingham Forest

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Former Nottingham Forest director of football Kyriakos Dourekas says he "misses" working with owner Evangelos Marinakis despite making what he calls an "exciting" move to Saudi club Neom.

Dourekas joined Forest in 2018 from Olympiacos – also owned by Marinakis – and spent five years at the City Ground. He helped oversee Forest's return to the Premier League in 2022 after a 23-year absence from the top flight.

Now at Neom, Dourekas reflected on his time working under Marinakis.

"When Mr Marinakis wants something, it will happen, believe me," he told BBC Sport. "His ambition is so big. Whenever he has something in his mind, and it's his target, it will be done.

"A great man, entrepreneur and leader. When I went there, I believed we could bring Nottingham Forest to the Premier League because I knew I had him as a leader."

Dourekas said he felt the club's past glories – including their European Cup wins in 1979 and 1980 – had held back progress.

"We were a little too much in the past. Players coming in didn't feel important, so we had a motto with Marinakis: 'We respect the past, but we create the future.' We wanted to create a Premier League future."

He described a "collective" approach to recruitment involving Marinakis, his son Miltiadis, the data department and then director Ross Wilson.

However, the opportunity to help build a team at Neom – a club being created for the ambitious Saudi Arabian mega‑project in the desert – was one he felt he had to take in July 2024.

"I went to Marinakis and said I had an exciting new proposal. It was my sixth year and he had a strong staff in place.

"We are building Neom as a club from the ground up. We only have one pitch – no buildings or infrastructure at all. Everything is built to help not just now, but to last.

"We are building an academy, have the youngest team in the league and hope other clubs will follow our belief in developing Saudi players."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Radio Nottingham/BBC Sounds

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And explore all Forest content on BBC Sounds here

David Jackson
BBC Radio Nottingham reporter in Braga

Image source, Getty Images

The Europa League is now Nottingham Forest's last chance for some real joy this season.

Defeats by Championship opposition in both the Carabao Cup and the FA Cup, added to the Premier League relegation fight, means this competition can make a big difference to how successful the season will be judged.

Whatever happens, it's a season that won't be forgotten. Yes, partly for all the managerial changes - but also for these European trips which Forest fans have embraced.

Those we've spoken to on the way to Portugal are determined to get every moment of enjoyment out of it, regardless of whatever else happens this season.

The weather is due to be horrendous in Braga, with thunderstorms forecast for Thursday afternoon in the lead-up to the game.

But when you're visiting the iconic Braga Municipal Stadium, with the rock walls of the former quarry making up one of the ends, the novelty of following your team abroad is very much still there for the fans.

It's been a long wait for European football and there's never a guarantee of when it will return.

The job for Sean Dyche and the players now is to make it last as long as possible. The Reds are unbeaten in Europe since Dyche took over.

Two wins now would pretty much guarantee a last-16 spot, without the need for a pesky play-off.

That would also take them a step closer to bringing joy to a patient fanbase who you can be sure will be there in numbers to cheer them on - wherever they end up.

Listen to In The Game on BBC Radio Nottingham on Wednesday at 18:00 GMT, plus Matchnight from 18:00 on Thursday, including commentary from 20:00

Subscribe to the Shut Up And Show More Football podcast on BBC Sounds.

And explore all Forest content on BBC Sounds here

Pat Riddell
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Strikers have been a hot topic in the Premier League this season. For every Hugo Ekitike and Igor Thiago - 24 league goals between them this term - there's a Benjamin Sesko and an Alexander Isak, with just the six goals in total.

Nottingham Forest, of course, have had their own difficulties. Notably the absence of Chris Wood. The New Zealand international has started just seven games this season, scoring twice, but his knee injury in mid-October has seen him sidelined ever since.

Wood's 20 goals last campaign, and ability to lead the line, contributed greatly to the Reds' seventh-place finish. However, despite the money spent in the summer, Forest have struggled to score of late.

Igor Jesus has proved a valuable player since his arrival from Botafogo - his selfless toiling up front, often isolated in attack, has helped during a torrid time for the club - but he's struggled to find the net in the league, despite scoring in all three cups.

Arnaud Kalimuendo seemingly didn't adapt quickly enough to Premier League life, at least for now, so is seeing out the rest of the season on loan to Eintracht Frankfurt. Which then begs the question - what next?

Wolverhampton Wanderers' Jorgen Strand Larsen was linked early in the January window but whether we've been put off by the £40m valuation, or we're waiting until late in the month to see what happens, is hard to tell.

Italian striker Lorenzo Lucca is the name most likely at the moment, with a 1m euros (£870,000) try-before-you-buy loan price perhaps more appealing with a permanent 35m euros (£30.5m) figure in the summer. The Napoli forward has struggled for game time since his move from Udinese, but did score 14 in 36 matches last term.

Either way, with Oleksandr Zinchenko set to see out the season at Ajax and Kalimuendo already in Germany, there is room in the squad for a goalscorer - and Forest's league position is very much dependent upon it.

Find more from Pat Riddell at The Famous Club, external

Image source, Getty Images

Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina highlighted the collective effort behind the performance against Arsenal, and the belief that Forest must carry that level of intensity into every fixture as they look to move clear of relegation.

Speaking to BBC Radio Nottingham after the 0-0 draw, Aina spoke about the importance of getting the basics right as Forest showed organisation, commitment and togetherness, limiting Arsenal's chances.

The hard-fought point at the City Ground moves Forest onto 22 points after 22 games and keeps them 17th in the table.

"It was hard work, but it was very fulfilling, you know. We stuck together, and played, and we tried to cause problems and opportunities. It was a good performance from the boys, and hopefully we can build on that," Aina said.

"The basics are the most important, and I feel that myself and the team did that very well today, and we need to build on that. When you work hard, other things follow. That's what we did today, all of us are very tired at the end.

"It's good to perform like that against a great side like Arsenal. But I feel that every week we need to put in performances like that and not just against Arsenal. Hopefully, we will build on it next week and the weeks after, we will really push on and start smashing teams."

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We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal.

Here are some of your comments:

Forest fans

Ben: Single points don't come much bigger than that considering Forest's form. They rode their luck at times but outside those moments, this was Sean Dyche's Forest at their best: organised, resolute and committed. Perform like that every week and there's no reason why Forest shouldn't start rapidly climbing the table.

Rose: The spirit of last season and the feel of it kept us in that game. We could have nicked it from them - needed the arrogance of some players to translate into goals. COYR.

Al: An obdurate performance by Forest and a point well earned against a team who should be there or thereabouts at the end of season. Next for Forest is to actually build on this point and hopefully it's not another false dawn. Ibrahim Sangare was immense.

Luke: Very pleased with the way the players applied themselves. It goes to show how far the 'best XI' is ahead of the rest of our squad. I'd still like to see us pose opponents more problems, but this is a good point and something for us to hopefully build upon.

Arsenal fans

Rachel: Yet again, Arsenal were frustrated by a team at the bottom end of the table. These are matches that we surely should be winning? I don't feel we are improving as the season progresses and we certainly don't look convincing. We don't have a secret weapon coming off the bench. My honest opinion is that Arsenal have been lucky so far - but luck can run out.

Neil: Absolutely awful and not a good watch. How many chances do other teams give us and we just don't take the opportunity? With Manchester City losing and drawing previous matches we have not taken full advantage. We are very good at keeping possession and passing the ball sideways and back, but going forward we lack speed and ideas. We need to take the games by the scruff of the neck like we did against Aston Villa. If we don't pull our socks up we will self-destruct and it'll be another season without silverware.

Chris: They looked tired.

Paul: This is another missed opportunity to show everybody that we are worthy champions. We looked predictable, lifeless and lacking imagination. Will we be the most boring champions ever?

Nottingham Forest are in talks with Napoli over a January loan deal for 25-year-old Italy striker Lorenzo Lucca, who could join permanently in the summer. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson is on Manchester United's list of targets for the summer. (Football Insider), external

Arsenal and Ukraine defender Oleksandr Zinchenko, who is on loan at Forest, is scheduled to have a medical on Tuesday before a loan move to Ajax. (De Telegraaf - in Dutch), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

Alex Howell
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

The Ola Aina handball incident happened with about 10 minutes of the match remaining.

The Forest right-back attempted to control a bouncing ball in his own penalty area while being challenged by Gabriel Jesus and bumped by his own team-mate Elliot Anderson.

The ball hit Aina's shoulder before striking his arm as the defender tried to turn, prompting Mikel Arteta and Arsenal to vehemently appeal for a spot-kick - to no avail.

The Premier League Match Centre on X said: "The referee's call of no penalty to Arsenal was checked and confirmed by VAR - with it deemed that the ball was played off Aina's shoulder first, while his arm was also in a natural position."

While Arteta was adamant his side had been denied a "clear penalty", Forest boss Sean Dyche, unsurprisingly, did not agree.

"I think if these start to get given we've all got to leave it. I think that's ridiculous. We've got to be careful with those," Dyche said.

"You may as well cancel football if you're going to give that [as handball]. The rules have to be careful. You know what they should be looking at? People feigning injury. That's the new diving."

Retired Premier League assistant referee Darren Cann told BBC Sport he thought the officials had come to the correct decision, saying: "The arm is close to the body and is in a justifiable position."

The decision split the watching pundits, with ex-Chelsea winger Pat Nevin telling BBC Radio 5 Live he thought Aina's arm "moved towards the ball", but former Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard insisting it would have been "soft" to award a spot-kick for the incident.

Read more analysis on the penalty appeal here

Pundits Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney join host Mark Chapman to bring you the action and talking points from Saturday's Premier League fixtures.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Chelsea 2-0 Brentford

• Tottenham 1-2 West Ham

• Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal

Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche, speaking to BBC Match of the Day after their goalless draw with Arsenal: "It's not easy playing these sides, the commitment is different. There's the commitment to score a goal of course, but what about the commitment to the shape, the basics, the hard yards of the game? And I thought we did that fantastically well as a group.

"They still had a couple of chances but listen they're a top side and they're flying. But to get a clean sheet against them is amazing. We had a couple of chances ourselves but it's hard to open them up, as they've shown all season.

"There's a lot of noise on their set-pieces and I thought Sels did well, the whole group did. But that's a great save, I think it comes over Merino's head, he sees it late, that was a good spring and he gets his fingertips to it. That was a big moment of course, but we had a big moment ourselves.

"Touch and go penalty, he gets pulled, he's falling into the box, I think that was a tight one. I know you're going to mention theirs. I think in football, look, we've got to be careful with that if people think that's a penalty. I don't know why it wasn't given, I'm pleased it wasn't, because this handball thing is a weird one at the minute, as we all know. That would've been incredibly harsh for me if that gets given.

"You can see he's got a nudge in the back, from our own player, but you can't get a nudge and control everything. I just think we've got to be really careful. I know there's a massive debate around handball at the minute, but if those get given we've got to go 'hang on a minute'.

"I though Elliot Anderson was a Rolls Royce today, him and Callum Hudson-Odoi. I thought Nicolas Dominguez off the ball, the stuff us manager's love, from his shape and his diligence. Amongst others, but Ibrahim Sangare gives us that little bit of solid feel, he knows what position to be in and allows Elliot to be a little bit freer and looser.

"There's a lot of good things here. We've just taken four points against some top sides in that run. We've played Manchester City, Villa away, these are tough games. So I'm pleased we've come away with another point."

Did you know?

• Nottingham Forest had their first 0-0 draw in the Premier League since February 2025, which was also at home against Arsenal.

Hear more from Dyche on BBC Sounds

Listen to reaction from Ola Aina

Alex Howell
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

This hard-fought point will give Forest and their manager Sean Dyche something to build on in the second half of the season.

Dyche called for "spirit and togetherness" in his programme notes and his side showed plenty of that.

Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo at centre-back were superb in dealing with the Gunners threat from set-pieces, while the whole Forest backline performed well to keep the changing Arsenal attack at bay.

There could have been a nervy atmosphere inside the City Ground after West Ham's win but the supporters were behind the team from the first minute.

Nottingham Forest had lost six of their 10 home league games before today and making their home ground a difficult place to come will be vital if they are to stay clear of the relegation zone.

Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.

Have your say on Nottingham Forest's performance

What did you make of Arsenal's display?

Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies

Sean Dyche makes one change from Nottingham Forest's last Premier League game with Sangare coming in for Hutchinson.

Nottingham Forest XI: Sels, Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams, Sangare, Anderson, Gibbs-White, Dominguez, Hudson-Odoi, Igor Jesus

Subs: Gunn, Morato, Awoniyi, Luiz, Ndoye, Hutchinson, Yates, McAtee, Savona

Mikel Arteta makes three changes to the Arsenal side that beat Chelsea in midweek. Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus come in on the wings. Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard drop to the bench.

Arsenal starting XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber, Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard, Martinelli, Madueke, Gyokeres

Subs: Arrizabalaga, Mosquera, Saka, Jesus, Eze, Trossard, Merino, Havertz, Lewis-Skelly

There are seven games in the Premier League on Saturday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Man Utd v Man City (12:30)

• Chelsea v Brentford - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Leeds v Fulham

• Liverpool v Burnley

• Sunderland v Crystal Palace

• Tottenham v West Ham - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

• Nottingham Forest v Arsenal (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live

Kick-off times 15:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Chelsea v Brentford" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Nottingham Forest v Arsenal", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds

Nottingham Forest are out of the FA Cup, but by far their biggest result last week was their win at relegation rivals West Ham to end a four-game losing streak in the league.

I don't see Sean Dyche's side getting anything here, though. They lost their two previous home games against Manchester City and Everton, and Arsenal will make it a hat-trick of home defeats.

This is the sort of game that Mikel Arteta's side seem to know how to win. It might be close, but I'd still back the Gunners to find a way.

Sutton's prediction: 0-1

Read the full predictions and have your say

Noel Sliney
BBC Sport senior journalist

After a potentially pivotal top-flight away win against fellow strugglers West Ham and an FA Cup exit on penalties in Wrexham, Nottingham Forest play at home for the first time in 2026.

Opponents Arsenal are unbeaten in 10 matches in all competitions and moved one step closer to the Carabao Cup final in midweek by beating Chelsea in the first leg of their semi-final tie.

Trouble by the Trent

Angry Forest head coach Sean Dyche rebuked his much-changed side for a "completely unacceptable" first-half performance at Wrexham which left them trailing 2-0 before fighting back in vain.

Dyche's withering assessment could just as easily be applied to Forest's home form. Six defeats at the City Ground so far is their joint most after 10 home league matches of a season. They have only once lost seven of their first 11 and that was in 1908.

Forest have already lost and conceded more often at home than in the whole of last season. Nonetheless, the collapse in their home form began as far back as April. Forest have had as many managers as wins - three - in their past 14 home league games, and only West Ham and Spurs have fared worse at home during that time among teams currently in the division.

Arsenal's unsung game changer

League leaders Arsenal are also top of the Champions League table with a flawless record, through to the FA Cup fourth round and will go into their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg early next month with a one-goal advantage over Chelsea.

Arsenal's resilience has been questioned during the past five seasons without a trophy, but summer signing Martin Zubimendi has infused the team with steel and composure. The defensive midfielder's imperious winning goal in midweek brought him rare headlines, even if the plaudits for his performances have been a regular theme.

"He can do whatever he wants," said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta after the Chelsea game. "We just have to keep unlocking that in his brain, because he's so good at occupying different spaces, carrying the ball, dribbling, winning duels and he has a talent when he gets into the final third and into the box. He's so composed, he sees the picture very clearly."

Zubimendi's importance to Arsenal is highlighted by the fact he has made the most starts and played the most minutes of any outfield player at the club. He also leads the way for interceptions, an indicator of his astute reading of the game, while only two central or defensive midfielders in the Premier League have been involved in more passages of open play leading to a shot.

Image source, Getty Images

Looking ahead to Saturday's game against Premier League leaders Arsenal, BBC Radio Nottingham's Colin Fray said Nottingham Forest will need to "raise their game" - like they have done so many times against top sides at the City Ground - if they are to get a positive result.

Forest have won only one of their seven league meetings with the Gunners since they returned to the Premier League in 2022. That came in May 2023 when Taiwo Awoniyi scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory.

"Forest have struggled with Arsenal since they came back up," Fray said. "Results at the City Ground have been decent - one win, one draw, one defeat - and against a side like that, you've got to accept that as being pretty reasonable. Forest have not been very good at the Emirates - lost all four and conceded a lot of goals in the process.

"The Arsenal side that comes to the City Ground this time, you could argue, is stronger than any of the Arsenal sides that have come to the City Ground so far. They're six points clear at the top now and you never know with Arsenal, but they're looking good again.

"Forest have to do what, to be fair to them, they have been good at since they got back to the Premier League and that's raising their game against the bigger, title-chasing sides at the City Ground."

Listen to Shut Up and Show More Football on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

BBC Radio Nottingham's Forest commentator Colin Fray spoke to the Shut Up and Show More Football podcast following Sean Dyche's fiery post-match interview after his side's defeat to Wrexham in the FA Cup.

Dyche described Forest's first-half performance as "unacceptable" and said his players need to "have a look in the mirror" following their penalty shootout loss.

"He's mentioned training as well, so he's obviously got a question mark over some attitudes," Fray said. "Again, that word attitude, a commitment to the cause, a commitment to training, all of those are words that Forest are going to need this season, but they had them in bucket loads last season as well.

"And that's one of the things that's gone missing a little bit, and not from every player, but for some of those players clearly Sean Dyche is seeing things that he hasn't really liked."

Fray also discussed how last week's cup exit with a rotated side highlighted the failings of last summer's recruitment and how that will affect the amount of business that can take place in this month's transfer window.

"A lot of those players who were signed last summer for a significant amount of money have not been able to force their way in," Fray added.

"Then Friday night reinforced that. Given the amount of money that was spent last summer, that is going to give Forest a bit of an issue in terms of how much they can do in this window.

"I don't think we can expect anywhere near the levels we saw in the summer. And I think, although you can never rule it out with Forest, I can't see it being as hectic at the end of the window unless they're going to go significantly into the loan market."

Listen to the full Shut Up and Show More Football on BBC Sounds

Nottingham Forest and Brazil defender Murillo, 23, is being considered by Manchester United as they look for a long-term replacement for Harry Maguire. (Mail), external

Forest are pushing to sign Italy and Inter Milan midfielder Davide Frattesi, 26. (Tuttomercato - in Italian), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

The latest episode of BBC Radio Nottingham's Shut Up And Show More Football podcast examines Sean Dyche's comments after Nottingham Forest's FA Cup exit at Wrexham.

Dyche was extremely critical of his side's first-half performance against the Championship club and Forest eventually went out of the competition on penalties.

There is also a discussion about Forest's plans for the January transfer window.

Listen to the full episode

Explore all Nottingham Forest content on BBC Sounds

Phil Cartwright
BBC Sport journalist

Nottingham Forest boss Sean Dyche has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Arsenal at the City Ground (kick-off 17:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Ryan Yates "feels good" having trained with the squad this week, while Chris Wood is making "slow but sure progress" in his recovery from injury, but goalkeeper John Victor has had a "minor" knee operation and Dyche is not sure how long he will be out for.

• Willy Boly and Ibrahim Sangare have reported back to the club after Ivory Coast's elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations last weekend.

• On reports that Forest are open to ending Oleksandr Zinchenko's loan spell: "We've spoken to the player and made it clear on his situation. He's aware of that so we'll see what happens. We're very open with him, he's a thorough professional and I'm sure he will be going forwards, no matter what."

• Asked about transfer targets in January, Dyche said the "obvious" area Forest need reinforcements is up front as "we are a bit short there". He said the club felt they got a "really good deal" for Arnaud Kalimuendo to join Eintracht Frankfurt and added that they are "looking at various options to bring in".

• Asked about the reaction of the squad to Forest's FA Cup exit at Wrexham, Dyche said: "We spoke to the players about it and what we expected. It was a professional reaction, as it should be. A few felt they weren't near where they needed to be and I think the whole collective. It was only the first half [that was not up to standard] and I made it clear. I expect more from the players, as do they, and they made that clear in feeding that back."

• On facing leaders Arsenal: "It [the gap between them and the chasing pack] got closer for a few weeks but then they've stepped away again - I think it [their lead] is six points now so they're having a strong season. It's always tough playing against those sides and certainly when they're in good form."

• Dyche stressed that "working hard" and "doing the basics well" are key to having the best chance of getting a positive result against the Gunners.

Hear more from Dyche on BBC Sounds

Follow all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Listen to live commentary of Nottingham Forest v Arsenal on BBC Radio 5 Live from 17:30 GMT on Saturday

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Wolves are yet to have any formal contact from Atletico Madrid or Nottingham Forest for Joao Gomes and Jorgen Strand Larsen.

There is an expectation at Molineux their resolve will be tested in the next two weeks but they are willing to remain firm to get the best price, if they sanction exits.

Wolves are aware of Atletico's interest in midfielder Gomes as they look to replace Conor Gallagher after his £35m move to Tottenham this week.

Gomes moved to Molineux from Flamengo in 2023 and has made 113 appearances, scoring seven times.

The 24-year-old has not played for Brazil for almost a year and needs to revive his international career going into the summer's World Cup.

He signed a five-year contract in April, leaving Wolves in a strong bargaining position despite sitting bottom of the Premier League.

Forest have Strand Larsen on their list of targets and any move for him would need to break their transfer record, set by Omari Hutchinson's £37.5m arrival from Ipswich in the summer.

But, like Gomes, there is yet to be contact between the clubs although Wolves remain braced for offers.

Strand Larsen, who joined from Celta Vigo initially on loan in 2024, scored a hat-trick in Saturday's 6-1 FA Cup win over Shrewsbury but has netted just once in the Premier League this season.

He penned a five-year deal in September after scoring 14 times last season but Wolves are willing to sell having rejected bids from Newcastle in the summer.

Nick Mashiter
Football reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Nottingham Forest still face a number of sliding door moments before their fate comes into focus.

Already out of the FA Cup after last week's defeat by Wrexham, the return of the Europa League next week adds further complication to their Premier League survival bid.

Saturday's visit of Arsenal comes with Forest seven points clear of the relegation zone before Thursday's trip to Braga in the Europa League.

The transfer window will naturally dominate a lot of the conversation at Dyche's news conference, Arnaud Kalimuendo has already joined Frankfurt and Forest are open to cutting short Oleksandr Zinchenko's loan.

Forest's priority is to bolster their forward options and give Igor Jesus much-needed support.

With Chris Wood sidelined after a knee operation and Taiwo Awoniyi not included in their current Europa League squad, Jesus is not likely to get much of a break this month.

Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen is among their targets and Wolves are braced for clubs to firm up their interest in the Norway international but Forest would need to break their transfer record if they decided to pursue him further.

Dyche will also be looking at a response from the FA Cup defeat in Wales, having labelled the first half, where Forest were 2-0 down, "unacceptable".

They may be seven points clear of West Ham but the Hammers will close that gap with a win at Tottenham before Forest play the league leaders at the City Ground on Saturday evening.