Good Morning,

Welcome to a Monday matchday edition of the Prem Report. Today’s report can be summarized in two questions: Why is Forest good, and why is Man U bad?
Find out below.
-Gabe

Matches

🔥 Headline Match: Tottenham Hotspur vs. Nottingham Forest

🏟️ Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | 🕗 8:00 PM BST / 12:00 PM PT​

⚪ Tottenham: Seeking Redemption Tottenham's season has been marred by injuries and inconsistent performances, leaving them in 16th place. With only 6 games left they face the risk of being overtaken by West Ham and sitting at the bottom of the non relegated teams. (C’mon guys, win it for Ange!)

🌲 Nottingham Forest: Defying Expectations Forest has been the surprise package of the season, currently sitting sixth in the table, a win would launch them into 3rd. However, back-to-back losses have put them into a must win situation to control their own destiny.

🌲 Why Is Forest Good?

Nottingham Forest's ascent to the Premier League's upper echelons has been nothing short of extraordinary. After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, they've surged to sixth place, challenging the traditional "Big Six."

Key Factors Behind Their Success:

• Strategic Recruitment: Forest's aggressive transfer strategy saw them sign 34 players over 18 months, blending seasoned talents like Chris Wood with promising prospects such as Morgan Gibbs-White and Murillo. This overhaul provided depth and versatility across the squad. ​

• Managerial Mastery: Under Nuno Espírito Santo, Forest adopted a pragmatic approach, emphasizing defensive solidity and swift counter-attacks. Despite averaging less than 40% possession, they've secured significant victories, including a historic win at Anfield.

Extra Slice
Man U It’s Bad…Real Bad

Wolves 1 - 0 Manchester

Manchester United's 2024–25 season has been historically poor, with 15 losses, it is their worst-ever Premier League performance. Currently sitting 14th in the table with just 38 points, they are on track to finish below their previous lowest tally of 58 points from the 2021–22 season.

Key Issues:

• Managerial Instability: The season began with Erik ten Hag at the helm, but after a series of disappointing results, he was replaced by Ruben Amorim in November. Amorim's rigid adherence to his 3-4-3 system has shown to be less than stellar.

• Underperforming Signings: Significant investments in players like Højlund, Onana, and Antony, have not paid off. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has criticized the squad, stating that several players are "not good enough" and "overpaid," highlighting the club's poor recruitment strategy over the past decade.

• Defensive Frailties: United's defense has been particularly vulnerable, conceding goals at an alarming rate. Their 4-1 defeat to Newcastle was emblematic of their defensive woes, with pundits like Gary Neville labeling them the "worst pound-for-pound football club in the country."

Despite these challenges, there have been occasional bright spots, such as their progression to the Europa League semi-finals. However, unless significant changes are made, this season will be remembered as one of the darkest in Manchester United's storied history.

📈 Table