Nuno praises Aina’s focus in Forest win

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo has hailed Super Eagles defender Ola Aina’s concentration after his crucial goal-line clearance secured a 3-2 victory over Southampton at the City Ground on Sunday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Nigerian international, who provided the assist for Chris Wood’s goal with a precise cross, made a vital intervention in stoppage time to deny Jan Bednarek and preserve three points for the hosts.

“I think he (Aina) did the same in a previous game (vs Liverpool),” Nuno said after the match.

“It is one of his tasks. I hope it doesn’t become a problem for us, set pieces. We have to work on that. You have to look back and see how demanding the game before was (against Liverpool).

“The high intensity required from our players in terms of focus and we knew this could happen. It was a warning for everybody to realise this league is very tough.”

Forest had raced to a commanding 3-0 first-half lead through goals from Elliot Anderson, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Wood before Southampton mounted a late comeback through Bednarek and Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu’s first goal for the club.

The 28-year-old defender, who also made a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Mohamed Salah in the recent 1-1 draw against Liverpool, expressed his delight with the team’s form on social media.

“Our bom boms almost went, fak, 3+ doe,” Aina posted humorously showing his relief after the late Southampton pressure.

The victory extended Forest’s unbeaten run to eight matches in the Premier League (W7 D1), their longest streak since November 1995, leaving them third in the table, level on points with second-placed Arsenal.

“We are working hard every week. It is showing on the pitch, and to be up there with some of the big boys is a credit to us,” Aina said.

“It’s about taking it step-by-step, staying humble, and working hard for each other to make sure we are doing the right things to win matches.”

Forest’s 44 points from their first 22 games represents their second-highest tally at this stage of a top-flight season, behind only the 1977/78 campaign, as they prepare for Saturday’s trip to high-flying Bournemouth.