Nottingham Forest face last stand at The City Ground with key figure providing massive statement

With the wind beneath their sails following some much improved performances, Forest welcome former title challengers Arsenal to the City Ground.

Awoniyi’s on fire, Danilo has announced himself to the league, and Yates is back making life difficult for the opposition.

There’s a fire in the belly of the Garibaldi faithful, which was fuelled further by an impassioned statement from owner Evangelos Marinakis:

“At every game I have attended this season, the noise of the Garibaldi has drowned out the opposition, enough so to lift the team to perform at their very best. We thank you sincerely for this.

“Challenging times can inspire unity and a powerful togetherness to strive for success against the odds.

“Every one of us connected with this club has chosen unity over division, even when times have been tough. That is a formidable force.

“And that unity is what sets us apart as we go into our final two games. It is our unique strength and our battle-cry as we fight to retain our place in the Premier League.”

Marinakis’ words hit the spot and capture the sense of hope at The City Ground.

Despite a tumultuous season, The Reds have still managed to keep themselves within arm’s length of Premier League safety.

While pundits have focussed on the amount of signings made, those close to the club know that it’s been the catalogue of injuries which has prevented Forest achieving more this season.

But in the face of adversity, the fans have stood firmly behind their beloved Forest.  This support has been replicated by Marinakis, who has publicly backed the now-iconic Steve Cooper on two occasions.

This support has bouyed fans and players alike, and been instrumental this season and made the difference when Forest have needed it the most. It encapsualtes what supporters of other clubs envy.

Marinakis’ support for Cooper flies in the face of the rash and desperate managerial changes seen by Forest’s relegation rivals.

Together, this sense of unity and belief has culminated in a string of games where Forest have scored 13 goals in five games.

So although Arsenal still pose a significant threat in all areas of the pitch, there’s a feeling today can be a special one.

With Arsenal’s title challenge sinking into the murky depths, ripples of optimism are stirring in the waters of the Trent, and we’re here for it.