Pundit blasts ‘passive’ Nottingham Forest as clear relegation warning delivered

Nottingham Forest are still deeply involved in the Premier League relegation battle after their recent defeat to Leeds United, with concerns growing that their survival fight could stretch to the final weeks of the season.

Friday night’s loss at Elland Road, combined with West Ham United’s victory the following day, has left Forest just three points clear of the drop zone.

West Ham, currently 18th, have the opportunity to draw level on points with Sean Dyche’s side when they host Manchester United on Tuesday.

Forest return to the City Ground on Wednesday to face bottom-of-the-table Wolverhampton Wanderers in a match that has quickly taken on huge significance. However, pundit Danny Murphy believes the struggle to avoid relegation is far from settled.

While Wolves and Burnley appear to be drifting away from safety, several other clubs remain locked in a tense fight to avoid the Championship.

Only three points separate West Ham on 23 points and Forest on 26, with Leeds United, Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur all sitting on 29 points.

Crystal Palace travel to Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, and Murphy feels they may be among those at risk. Speaking to the BBC, he said:
“Palace are in a real battle now, and you can see their confidence draining away.”

Murphy is more optimistic about Tottenham’s prospects despite their inconsistent results.
“I’m with most people in thinking Spurs will be fine,” he added. “They have enough quality in their squad and should pick up the points they need.”

Leeds United, meanwhile, are the side Murphy believes are most likely to stay clear of danger.
“For me, Leeds will be safe based on how they’ve played over the last two or three months,” he said. “They’ve built real momentum, and the Elland Road atmosphere makes a massive difference.”

As for the remaining contenders, Murphy feels it will come down to a tight three-way battle.
“I think it’s between Forest, Palace and West Ham. It’s going to be incredibly close and could easily go right to the wire.”

Forest’s defeat at Leeds ended a four-game unbeaten league run and exposed worrying issues. Although new signing Lorenzo Lucca scored a late consolation in the 3-1 loss, there were few positives for the visitors to take from the performance.

Murphy was critical of Forest’s recent displays, adding:
“Too often lately, Nottingham Forest have looked passive. That could be down to fatigue from having to rely on the same players so frequently.”

He pointed to Dyche’s limited options, noting that fringe players failed to impress when given opportunities in cup competition.
“I’ve been there myself,” Murphy said.

“Playing every few days under relegation pressure is incredibly tough, especially when you’re also trying to balance European commitments.”