Wood's use 'a lot clearer' as 'understanding' grows

Pat Riddell, The Famous Club, external

There was a time when Chris Wood looked like a very expensive mistake. A transfer fee of £15m was triggered just three games after joining from Newcastle United on loan in January and, having struggled to fit into the side in Taiwo Awoniyi’s absence, he was soon injured.

He finished last season with just two starts and one goal, albeit a very important equaliser against Manchester City.

However, as Nottingham Forest’s playing style has evolved this season, alongside another Awoniyi injury, Wood has begun to settle in the squad. And on Saturday it became a lot clearer how the New Zealand international can fit into Steve Cooper’s plans.

Forget, if you can, about the two late goals conceded and focus on the two goals scored: both came from the front three of Wood, Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga linking up. The understanding between the players is developing, the progression is continuing.

Wood’s movement, positioning and finishing were all excellent on Saturday, and two goals will have done his confidence the world of good. He could have scored a hat trick, or more, and Forest’s dominance of possession proved that he doesn’t have to hold up the ball to be effective; a midfield pressing further up the pitch plays to his strengths.

With three goals this season, Wood’s Premier League history shows the frontman’s class is permanent.

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