Nottingham Forest news: Nedum Onuoha on Champions League race

As we approach the crunch stage of the 2024-25 Premier League season, it only feels right to address what would be a good outcome for Nottingham Forest from here onwards and what my biggest fear for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side is too.

Nottingham Forest have now been dragged into the race for the top five, whereas for a long time it felt like they were on an equal playing field to Arsenal and in the title race.

The good thing is that they are still very much in control of their destiny, but they have also shown signs in recent weeks that their defensive solidity isn’t as strong as what it has been.

The draw against Arsenal is a big deal, but this is all new territory for them and therefore the best outcome would be that they continue to play their football. Chris Wood adding to his already decent numbers for this season and continuing to raise the energy in the City Ground will all help in qualifying for European football.

And Champions League qualification would be fully deserved.

But going further, they can still finish second, and of course that would be the best scenario of a finish for them.

Equally, my biggest fear is that they qualify for a Europe but drop several positions at the same time.

Forest will inevitably celebrate a place in any European competition, but if it is not the Champions League because they have dropped down the table then it is almost bitter-sweet.

Thankfully, there are not many teams that are playing better than Forest at the minute so there is no reason to believe that they won’t be in the top four.

And if they do earn a spot in Europe’s biggest competition next season then they deserve the right to absolutely celebrate their achievements this season, especially given their recent history.

Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport’s Katie Stafford