In an era where the versatile forward has taken center stage, Chris Wood of Nottingham Forest is showing there’s still room for the classic big target man. His standout performances this season have not only propelled Forest up to fifth place in the Premier League but also turned the spotlight back onto the traditional number nine.
A Comeback Moment for the Traditional Target Man
Chris Wood’s resurgence on the field is a testament to his enduring skill and adaptability. This season, the 32-year-old has emerged as one of the Premier League’s top scorers, netting seven goals — just behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, who leads with ten.
- Notable Stats:
- Wood’s 17 non-penalty league goals since December 2023 rank him second only to Haaland.
- His recent performance against former club Leicester City saw him scoring twice, moving him level with Forest legend Stan Collymore at 22 Premier League goals for the club.
These numbers highlight Wood’s knack for finding the back of the net, a skill Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo has strategically tapped into since taking charge in December last year.
Nuno’s Influence: A Game Plan That Plays to Wood’s Strengths
The Portuguese manager’s arrival at Nottingham Forest has been instrumental in Wood’s success. Under Nuno, there’s been a clear emphasis on bolstering Forest’s aerial and physical threat, aligning perfectly with Wood’s style as a target man.
“Nuno has come in and put the emphasis on getting balls into the box,” Wood shared. “He’s worked on that on the training pitch, and thankfully, it’s come to the fold.”
The system under Nuno accommodates both Wood and fellow forward Taiwo Awoniyi, leveraging their size and strength. In the recent game against Crystal Palace, Wood’s lone goal led Forest to victory, reinforcing the effectiveness of Nuno’s tactics.
Head-to-Head with Erling Haaland: Can Wood Keep Pace?
While it may seem bold to compare Wood with Haaland, their scoring stats paint an interesting picture. Although Haaland’s combination of speed and power sets him apart, Wood’s own scoring ability and positional intelligence have drawn fans’ attention.
Player |
Goals (Season) |
Premier League Rank |
Recent Performances |
---|---|---|---|
Erling Haaland |
10 |
1st |
Man City’s top scorer |
Chris Wood |
7 |
2nd |
Key for Nottingham Forest |
In his quest to outscore defenders and position himself effectively, Wood has proven he’s not ready to let go of his spot among the top Premier League scorers. For many, his push for the Golden Boot might have seemed unlikely at the season’s start, but now, it’s within his reach.
Wood’s Roots and Revival: A New Lease Under Nuno
Signed by Forest’s former manager Steve Cooper in 2023 for £15 million from Newcastle, Wood’s impact was modest during his first season, scoring three times in 15 matches. But when Nuno took over last year, the shift was palpable. Wood’s tally rose to 11 goals in just 16 games under the Portuguese coach, showing how Nuno’s strategy and training methods align with Wood’s strengths.
In Forest’s game against Leicester City, Wood showcased his abilities, scoring twice in the second half. His first goal came from a sharp swivel and finish, while his second capitalized on a defensive error, looping the ball over Leicester’s keeper. Wood’s awareness and composure in these moments reflect how he’s embraced this second chance under Nuno’s leadership.
“It’s great to see a manager who knows how to bring out the best in us big center-forwards,” Wood remarked, emphasizing the importance of crosses and box play in Forest’s game plan. For a player who relishes aerial duels and close-range shots, it’s a revival of the kind of play that once defined the Premier League.