While the two big teams Liverpool and Arsenal are leading the Premier League this season, there is still a surprise championship candidate named Nottingham Forest.
Nuno Espirito Santo's side struggled to avoid relegation from the Premier League last season, but a dramatic improvement in form and results this season has seen them transform completely. Nottingham are even in the title race.
Nottingham's 3-0 win over Wolves was their sixth consecutive win in all competitions. They are now level on points with second-placed Arsenal and six points behind leaders Liverpool.
Remember, Nottingham only returned to the top flight of English football in 2022. And in the first campaign marking their return, they created chaos by recruiting 30 new players after only 2 transfer windows. Therefore, Nottingham's current achievements are extremely remarkable.
In the 2015-2016 season, Leicester also created a miracle when they unexpectedly finished the season. It was considered one of the most unbelievable Premier League championships in history.
With Nottingham hosting Liverpool at the City Ground next week, having beaten Arne Slot's side at Anfield, this seems as good a time as any to assess their title chances.
Since the start of December last year, Nottingham have beaten Manchester United, Aston Villa, Brentford, Tottenham and Everton. Along with the win over Wolves, it is the first time they have won six consecutive Premier League games since the 1966-67 season. At that time, they were also in contention for the title but were beaten by Man United.
Nottingham have now won 10 of their last 13 Premier League games, and have been firmly in the top four since a 2-1 win over Villa on 14 December. With 40 points from their first 20 games, they are eight points ahead of their tally from last season.
Of the 70 teams to have accumulated 40 or more points from their opening 20 games of a Premier League season, only four have failed to finish in the top four by the end of the campaign. Clearly, Nottingham fans can think of the Champions League anthem, although there is still a long way to go.
After 20 matches of the 2015-2016 season, Leicester were second with 40 points. They won the championship with 81 points, 10 points ahead of second-placed Arsenal in the final standings.
Nottingham fans will be delighted to know that their side also have 40 points from 20 games. Of course, they are only third in the table instead of second, behind Arsenal on goal difference.
Nottingham's next five games are going to be tough but not without a chance. Their opponents in the coming weeks include Liverpool, Southampton, Bournemouth, Brighton and Fulham. Nuno's side could continue their run of form or at least match Leicester's previous points total.
