Nottingham Forest continued their remarkable run of form with a commanding 2-0 victory over Brentford on Saturday.
The result marked the team’s third consecutive win in the Premier League, securing their spot in fourth place under the guidance of head coach Nuno Espírito Santo.
The victory was particularly significant, as Brentford had not suffered a home defeat this season until Forest’s visit.
Goals from Ola Aina and Anthony Elanga sealed the three points for Forest, with Espírito Santo earning praise for his tactical adjustments.
Former Forest player Brian Laws commended the manager’s strategic decisions, which helped the Reds maintain their upward momentum in the league table.
Elanga, who has now scored in back-to-back games, was a standout performer.
The 22-year-old credited advice from former England striker Jermain Defoe, who has been mentoring him and offering guidance to enhance his development.
After his latest performance, Elanga received glowing praise from former Forest midfielder Lewis McGugan.
Speaking on the *Forest Focus* podcast, McGugan highlighted Elanga’s instinctive playing style as one of his biggest strengths.
“Elanga has a lot of great qualities, but I think he’s at his best when he plays instinctively, without overthinking his actions,” McGugan said.
Despite showing flashes of brilliance, Elanga has faced challenges this season, including inconsistent game time. However, his recent performances suggest he is regaining his confidence.
McGugan emphasized the importance of giving Elanga more minutes on the pitch, suggesting it’s the key to unlocking his full potential.
Elanga’s contributions last season, including 14 goal involvements, demonstrate the impact he can have when regularly featured.
Elanga’s work ethic and willingness to support defensively make him a valuable asset to Forest’s lineup.
His goal against Brentford was a reminder of his quality and ability to deliver when provided with the right service.
While McGugan acknowledged the need for Elanga to develop greater composure in certain situations, he believes the winger is thriving under Espírito Santo’s management and will only improve with consistent opportunities to shine.