Nottingham Forest matchwinner Callum Hudson-Odoi says he is not looking at the Premier League table despite the 1-0 win over Manchester City, a result that has propelled the Reds into the thick of the Champions League battle. Hudson-Odoi, who scored the only goal of the game, insists that the team is focused on taking it one match at a time rather than getting distracted by their rapidly rising prospects of European football next season.
The 22-year-old winger, on loan from Chelsea, has been a revelation since joining Forest in the summer, bringing a level of pace and skill to the side that has been a key factor in their surprise push for the top four. After the win over City, Hudson-Odoi said, 'We're not looking at the table. We're just taking each game as it comes and focusing on the next match.' This approach has clearly served Forest well so far, as they have compiled a series of impressive results against some of the Premier League's biggest names.
Despite Hudson-Odoi's insistence that the team is not getting ahead of itself, the reality is that Forest are now firmly in the mix for a Champions League spot, and their fans are beginning to dream of the possibility of European nights at the City Ground. The Premier League table makes for encouraging reading, with Forest sitting just a few points off the top four, and with a number of winnable fixtures coming up, the prospects of a top-four finish are starting to look increasingly realistic.
Forest's victory over Manchester City was a testament to the team's growing confidence and ability to punch above their weight. City, who have been one of the dominant forces in English football in recent years, were expected to win comfortably, but Forest had other plans. Hudson-Odoi's goal, which came in the first half, was a beautifully crafted move that showcased the winger's pace and skill, and the team's defense held firm in the face of intense City pressure to secure a memorable win.
The result has sparked a wave of excitement among Forest fans, who are beginning to believe that this could be the season when their team returns to the European stage. With a number of key players, including Hudson-Odoi, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Brennan Johnson, all in top form, the Reds have the talent and the depth to compete with the best teams in the league. And while Hudson-Odoi may be reluctant to look at the table, the reality is that Forest are now genuine contenders for a Champions League spot, and their fans will be eagerly watching their progress over the coming weeks.