Sean Dyche got off to a dream start as Nottingham Forest head coach, as he handed FC Porto their first defeat of the season, winning 2-0 and breathing new life into the City Ground.
Morgan Gibbs-White got his first goal of the season as he scored from the spot as the home supporters finally had something to celebrate as they took the lead against an in-form Porto side.
A disallowed goal in the second half from a set piece for Porto highlighted the issues that still need to be worked on going forward but Igor Jesus slotted home the second penalty of the night as he gave Forest their first win since August in an emphatic display by a reinvigorated Nottingham side.
But what were the key takeaways from the City Ground? GB News reveals all!
FOUR AT THE BACK SUIT NOTTINGHAM FOREST
Nottingham Forest looked much more assured with a back four
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REUTERS
It’s no secret that Dyche has a habit of making his teams play four defenders at the back, but the shift for Forest made a huge difference in the way they could deal with Porto.
The extra man allowed Forest to work out from the back in a much better capacity and to deal with the pace of the Porto attack without being overwhelmed.
After no wins under Ange Postecoglou, the defence was a major sticking point coming into this new era, and while it is still only early in Dyche’s tenure, he appears to have made quick progress in sorting out the defensive struggles.
There were still balls that were able to cut the defence open, but it is certainly progress that Forest fans will be happy to see.
CONFIDENCE IS KEY GOING FORWARD
Confidence is so key for Nottingham Forest to turn their season around
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REUTERS
Nottingham has had a torrid time so far this season, but this may be a major turning point.
The appointment of Dyche uplifted fans, with the history he and his coaching staff have within the club; he can steady the ship, and this match was a great example of him doing that.
He appears to have given the side confidence and reassurance that they have the skill to keep themselves in the games and win them, something they were missing with Postecoglou.
If they can keep the confidence high, the season seems to be about to turn around for Forest.
SET PIECES NEED IMMEDIATE WORK
Sean Dyche still has work to do on his set pieces at Nottingham Forest
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REUTERS
The Reds put in a great performance to take home the win, but the set pieces have left Forest vulnerable once again.
It was the only real area that Porto were able to threaten Dyche’s side, and they were lucky that Samu Aghehowa was offside and had the goal ruled out. It was an area many know that Nottingham struggles with, but not really an aspect that Porto exploited.
Dyche has got off to a great start, snapping the winless streak for Forest, but he will be tested in the coming games if he cannot find a way to get on top of the set-piece struggles.
Forest will be back in action on Sunday when they start their Premier League campaign under Dyche, as they look to claw themselves out of the relegation zone against Bournemouth.
