Is There A Defensive Problem At Nottingham Forest?

Can't Stop Conceding

In what has been a whirlwind of a season already for Nottingham Forest fans. They were able to claim a comfortable 3-1 win over newly promoted Leeds United this afternoon leaving them in 19th place. However, in what should be deemed as a positive result, Forest still haven't kept a clean sheet in 11 Premier League games this season. Their only clean sheets so far this campaign have come in the Europa League against FC Porto and Sturm Graz. With nearly a third of the season having been played already, Forest fans must hope the team can put in some strong defensive performances soon.

The Breakdown

This time last season, Forest had already claimed four clean sheets to their name. A strong backline came into play early in the season, with Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo proving themselves as tidy signings. Both centre-halves are strong in the air and comfortable on the ball, however so far this season they seem a shadow of their former selves. Former Forest boss Nuno Espírito Santo prioritised defensive stability, one which left the side when he was sacked.

Another point to mention is that Forest have had three managers already this season. This not only disrupts defensive line-ups, but also how they are told to play. Ange Postecoglou had their full backs playing so narrow that every game they were bound to concede a goal from out wide. The managerial changes are bound to have cause unrest for the players, and also their confidence.

This season, the side look incredibly shaky at the back. In just 11 league games that they have played this season, they have conceded 20 goals. That comes to an average of 1.90 goals conceded per game. This also means that they are conceding a goal every 47 minutes. These stats are proof on their own that their defence has been very poor, but stats don't always show the full picture. Sometimes it is important to see how they are conceding.

In the whole of 2025 including last season Forest conceded 16 from set pieces, this is more than any other Premier League side. Additionally, 11 of them have come at The City Ground, which is the highest home total in the league. There seems to be a lack of organisation when defending set pieces. Like many other Premier League sides, Forest use zonal marking to defend corners but it just isn't working for them. In their recent 2-2 result against Manchester United last week, both goals came from poor marking in the box and failing to clear their lines. Change was needed, and that is why one man was brought in.

Sean Dyche has turned Nottingham Forest's home form around! 🌳

Another big result today. #NFFC #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/ZlcamUSHe1

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) November 9, 2025

Dyche, Dyche Baby

If there was one man to bring in to stop conceding goals, Sean Dyche is the ideal candidate. Whilst they did concede within the first 15 minutes today, it was a much more sound defensive performance and Leeds only managed three shots on target. Dyche is renowned for his defensive approach and while some may consider it boring, it has been so effective for him at Burnley and Everton.

Across his last six full seasons, five of them resulted in his team keeping over 10 clean sheets. That is what Forest need right now, someone who prioritses keeping the ball out of their net. Especially with how much firepower is in the Premier League this season and also how well the newly-promoted sides are performing.

Dyche may fix some things for Forest but in his previous sides he was also very susceptible to conceding from set pieces. This is a matter for concern.

Despite this, Dyche is still what Forest need after the poor appointment of Ange Postecoglou and he has done well so far considering what he walked into. Defence wins you games and it also stops you getting relegated. Can Dyche be that man?

Games won in charge of Nottingham Forest this season:

Sean Dyche - 2
Ange Postecoglou and Nuno Espírito Santo combined - 1 pic.twitter.com/W1gNukXGEU

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 9, 2025