‘Bl***y win’: Nottingham Forest star’s post hints at emotional way players were inspired before Arsenal win

Nottingham Forest stars enjoyed a day to remember on Saturday as the club pulled off a surprise victory over Arsenal at the City Ground which secured their status as a Premier League side.

A 19th-minute Taiwo Awoniyi goal proved the winner as Forest beat a lacklustre Gunners side 1-0 and emotions reached a fever pitch as the Trentside club celebrated survival in the top flight after achieving promotion from the Championship last year.

Steve Cooper's side had been written off by many after an influx of new players before the start of the season and sat in the relegation zone just weeks ago before three wins in the last five saw them open a gap over relegation-threatened Everton, Leeds United and Leicester City.

Forest stars took to social media after the match to celebrate the win and one of those players posting online included injury-blighted Jesse Lingard.

The midfielder has only started one league game for the club he joined last summer this calendar year with injuries ultimately resulting in him falling out of favour after nailing down a starting berth at the beginning of the season.

Nonetheless, the 30-year-old celebrated with teammates on the pitch at full time and labelled the day an 'unbelievable job'.

In an Instagram post, Lingard wrote: "What an achievement, unbelievable job from everyone from staff to players to fans. These are the moments we live for."

The post included photos with Forest colleagues, his PA and videos dancing on The City Ground turf.

In the album was also a small poster which seemed to show a behind-the-scenes way Forest players were motivated before the match.

An image of Lingard with the title #BELIEVE was filled with printed messages from loved ones to inspire him - the midfielder wasn't in the squad for the meeting with Arsenal but it appears each player would have received one similar.

One message read: "Jesse Lingard, you know you can do this. We all love you so much, you're a superstar so go out and show them you are. Love you so much. Nock mean xxx."

Another said: "I am so proud of you Jesse, good luck and show them who you are. Lots of love boo x."

There was also a handwritten note from his daughter Hope and Lingard's nan added: "For Christ sake bl***y win and shut ya grandad up haha."

Nottingham Forest will play their final fixture of the Premier League season away at Crystal Palace on Sunday.