Santo was ‘nervous as hell’ earlier than late targets went ‘past soccer’

Nottingham Forest supervisor Nuno Espirito Santo has mentioned a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) determination to not award his crew a late equaliser in opposition to Aston Villa within the Premier League gave his gamers “perception” that they may win the sport.

After Chris Wooden was denied his eleventh objective of the season within the 81st minute, Forest made a sensational comeback to beat Villa 2-1 on the Metropolis Floor by Nikola Milenkovic’s 87th-minute header and Anthony Elanga’s end within the 93rd minute.

“It goes past soccer – it’s about coronary heart, perception, need!” ❤

Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo on his aspect’s dramatic comeback in opposition to Aston Villa 🗣 pic.twitter.com/6dF9hi4kPI

— Sky Sports activities Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 14, 2024

“I used to be not calm,” Santo advised BBC Match of the Day after Forest rose above reigning champions Manchester Metropolis to fourth within the desk.

“I used to be nervous as hell. I attempt to give attention to the sport and the most effective assist I can provide the crew is to disregard what’s going on on the surface.

“The second the VAR took the objective off us, as a substitute of it placing us down, it gave us the idea that we may go on and do it. After that, it was superb. We have been working everywhere. It was entertaining, for certain, but additionally demanding.”

“This season, I can do SO MUCH higher!” 💪

Anthony Elanga has his ft on the bottom after scoring Nottingham Forest’s dramatic late winner in opposition to Aston Villa 💬 pic.twitter.com/ptqrkx8T10

— Sky Sports activities Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 14, 2024

Santo: Forest vs Villa ‘superb’

Forest took 22 factors from 21 league video games between Santo’s appointment in December and the top of final season, ending instantly exterior of the relegation zone.

Their third win in 4 matches and fourth in 5 at houses means they’ve taken 28 factors from 15 matches this time round and are three factors behind second-placed Chelsea.

Villa began the day degree on factors with Forest and have been on track for a fourth consecutive victory when Jhon Duran headed the 63rd-minute opener.

Nikola Milenkovic equalises late on for Forest! 💥 pic.twitter.com/cfV2iNoidi

— Sky Sports activities Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 14, 2024

“The ending was superb – the idea and the need,” mirrored Santo. “It was very equal within the first half. It was well-organised from each groups.

“There weren’t too many flaws. We created issues they usually did too from set-pieces. Then we had a giant second and we conceded.”

ANTHONY ELANGA SCORES IN INJURY-TIME! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/saAjkQETAA

— Sky Sports activities Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 14, 2024

Forest ‘have the center’

“[The comeback] goes past soccer,” added Santo. “It’s not soccer anymore. It’s about perception. It’s about bouncing again from a tough second and going once more if you end up not filled with vitality however you may have the center.

“Pondering again to Anthony Elanga coming off the bench [in the 77th minute], it’s additionally concerning the gamers realising that [when] they don’t begin, they can provide a hand in the precise moments. So long as we are able to perceive that, we are able to compete very nicely.”