Forest lost to Fulham for the second time this season - are they better playing three at the back only when holding onto a lead?

Nuno Espirito Santo expressed relief after Nottingham Forest avoided a fourth-round FA Cup upset by beating Exeter City on penalties. Forest, third in the Premier League and the highest-ranked team left in the FA Cup, prevailed 4-2 on spot-kicks at St James Park following a 2-2 draw after extra time.

On preparing for the challenge of facing a side lower down the pyramid, Nuno said: "We have to get ready for that [big atmosphere with fans close to the pitch]. In these game it is important to try and to find simplicity and solve the problems in a simple way. Our talent and quality will show I hope."

Dominguez’s role was flexible. The midfielder switched markers with Forest’s right-back, Ola Aina, depending on who was closer to Digne and McGinn. Then, when Forest were defending deeper in their own half, Dominguez dropped to form a situational back five to prevent Villa from overloading the left flank.

Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo admitted Nottingham Forest struggled to get to grips with Fulham as they fell to a 2-1 defeat in the capital. Crosses into the box proved problematic for the Reds as Emile Smith Rowe and Calvin Bassey headed in either side of Chris Wood’s 18th goal of the season.

Even more so when Europe is the prize at stake for Nottingham Forest. The Reds’ resilience is about to be tested again. With 25 games gone they are still third in the table, but this is where it really starts to get serious.

Progress, Delays, and Future ProspectsNottingham Forest is a club on the rise. Despite a setback in their 2-1 defeat to Fulham, there remains a sense of