Nottingham Forest transfer need highlighted as trio provide reason for optimism in defeat

Steve Cooper made clear he isn’t one for making comparisons when he faced the media prior to Nottingham Forest’s opening Premier League clash.

“I’m not one for comparing anything, really. It’s about looking forward and about what we have now,” he said when quizzed on the differences between preparations for this campaign and last term.

But for the majority of those who made the trip to the capital from the East Midlands, it was difficult not to think back to the same time 12 months ago. Or indeed to recall what happened last time the Reds visited the Emirates Stadium.

In their first game back in the top-flight last season, Forest had the look of a rabbit caught in headlights against Newcastle United. When they faced Arsenal last October, they capitulated in a 5-0 thumping.

Fast forward to this weekend and while Cooper’s men were beaten by the Gunners, they headed back north with positives to reflect on. The second half in particular provided cause for optimism for the season ahead.

Matt Turner was back on familiar territory, a matter of days after his move from Arsenal had been confirmed. And he gave a solid account of himself against his former club. He could do little about the hosts’ goals, but he did pull off a couple of excellent stops in the second half to keep his team in with a chance, while his distribution was good too.

What happens with the goalkeeper position in the longer-term remains to be seen. Who will be first-choice if Dean Henderson still comes in?

We await to see how the next couple of weeks pan out on that front. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the transfer window has a few more twists still to come, so the Reds will be pleased they have at least got Turner in the building. And if there is to be a fight for the starting spot, he won’t be giving up the shirt easily.

Ola Aina was a bright spark even amid a first half when Forest were not at their best. He continued that form in the second half, too. Being brought off certainly wasn’t a reflection of his performance; it was more because he isn’t quite fully match-fit and was on a booking.

Anthony Elanga, meanwhile, made a big difference when he entered the fray. His pace is frightening. The run and assist was superb. If he can keep that up, he will cause plenty of defences all kinds of problems. Taiwo Awoniyi will no doubt be eager for a few more of those crosses, too.