Nottingham Forest head coach Oliver Glasner is looking to Chris Wood for inspiration as he attempts to solve the club’s worrying goal-scoring problems ahead of their crucial Premier League encounter with Arsenal. Despite encouraging performances and a promising attacking approach, Forest have struggled to convert their chances into goals, leaving Glasner searching for ways to improve their efficiency in front of goal.
Forest have scored just five goals in the Premier League this season, making them the second-lowest scorers in the division. Even more concerning is the fact that they are yet to find the net in a home league match. With Arsenal preparing to visit the City Ground, Glasner knows his team must become more clinical if they are to turn their performances into positive results.
The statistics highlight Forest’s biggest problem. They have recorded the third-highest number of shots in the Premier League but rank 19th for conversion rate. They have also scored five fewer goals than their expected-goals figures suggest, underlining their difficulties in making the most of their opportunities.
Rather than relying entirely on his own instructions, Glasner has turned to the experience of veteran striker Chris Wood, who understands what it takes to score consistently at the highest level of English football.
GLASNER LOOKS TO CHRIS WOOD FOR STRIKING ADVICE
During a training session this week, Glasner discussed the team’s attacking approach and decided that Wood was better placed to deliver an important message about finishing.
The 34-year-old striker has scored almost 200 goals in English football, including 92 in the Premier League. His experience makes him a valuable voice in a dressing room that needs confidence and composure in front of goal.
Glasner admitted that he was happy to let the experienced forward take over the conversation when the subject turned to scoring goals.
The Forest manager explained that he had been outlining the team’s plans before recognising that Wood could offer something particularly valuable to his teammates.
Glasner acknowledged the difference between his own goal-scoring record and Wood’s achievements, making it clear why the striker was the right person to deliver the message.
Wood’s advice centred on maintaining belief, even when opportunities fail to produce the desired results.
According to Glasner, the striker encouraged his teammates never to lose confidence in their abilities. He also reminded them that another opportunity is always around the corner.
That message could prove important for Forest as they attempt to rediscover their attacking rhythm. Strikers can become frustrated when chances go begging, but losing confidence can make the problem even more difficult to overcome.
For Glasner, the priority is ensuring his players remain positive, trust their abilities and approach every new opportunity with the determination to score.
FOREST MUST TURN PROMISING PERFORMANCES INTO RESULTS
Although Forest’s lack of goals has become a major concern, Glasner remains encouraged by aspects of his team’s performances.
Their position among the Premier League’s most frequent shooters suggests they are capable of creating opportunities. However, the difference between a promising attacking move and a goal remains significant, and Forest have repeatedly struggled to make that final connection.
Improving their finishing will therefore be essential against Arsenal, a side that can punish opponents who fail to take their chances.
Forest cannot afford to become overly cautious because of their recent struggles. Instead, they must maintain their attacking intent while improving their decision-making and composure in the final third.
The challenge also extends beyond the forwards. Creating better opportunities requires effective movement, accurate passing and intelligent positioning throughout the team.
Glasner will hope that continued work on the training ground, combined with Wood’s experience, can help his players develop the confidence required to deliver when it matters most.
GLASNER KNOWS HE CANNOT FIND EVERY ANSWER ALONE
Forest’s current situation has placed Glasner under pressure, particularly because the club’s league record is identical to the one they held at the same stage last season.
That comparison is uncomfortable given the managerial changes Forest experienced during the previous campaign. Nuno Espirito Santo lost his position before Ange Postecoglou became the club’s second managerial casualty within the opening eight games.
Glasner has also endured a difficult start, winning just one of his first seven matches across all competitions. With the Arsenal fixture approaching, improving results would provide a welcome boost for the manager and his squad.
However, the Austrian is determined to make full use of the experience and quality available within his dressing room rather than assuming that every solution must come from the coaching staff.
He believes successful teams depend on players supporting one another, sharing knowledge and accepting responsibility when performances fall short of expectations.
Glasner has emphasised that managers do not possess every answer. Instead, he expects his players to contribute through their experience, encouragement and willingness to challenge one another when necessary.
That approach could be particularly valuable for Forest’s younger players and those experiencing difficulties in front of goal. Having experienced teammates who understand the demands of Premier League football can help them navigate challenging periods.
ARSENAL CLASH OFFERS FOREST AN OPPORTUNITY
Forest’s upcoming meeting with Arsenal represents an important test of their attacking progress. The home side will need to combine defensive organisation with greater efficiency whenever opportunities arise.
Glasner will hope that Wood’s words translate into improved performances, particularly in the penalty area. Confidence alone will not solve every problem, but it could help Forest’s forwards approach their chances with greater conviction.
The manager’s message is straightforward: remain united, keep working and trust that another opportunity will arrive.
Forest have demonstrated an ability to get into dangerous positions, but their season will depend heavily on turning those moments into goals. Against Arsenal, they will need to show greater composure and make their attacking opportunities count.
With Wood sharing his experience and Glasner continuing to work on the team’s weaknesses, Forest will be hoping their difficult start can become the foundation for improvement.
The challenge now is to deliver when it matters most. If Forest can rediscover their finishing touch, they could give their supporters renewed optimism and begin turning encouraging performances into the results they desperately need.
