Sean Dyche says Forest are still moving forward despite poor form

Sean Dyche insists he is making progress nottingham forest Despite fourth consecutive oversight, focus on ‘reality not noise’ Premier League beat.

Forest lost 1-3 away from home aston villaOllie Watkins’ first-half goal and John McGinn’s second-half brace made it 11 wins at home.

Forest briefly got back into the game through a Morgan Gibbs-White goal but they failed to lose again – their worst performance in the Premier League since late 2023, with Steve Cooper sacked.

It may be too early to link Sean Dyche with suffering a similar fate, but dark clouds are gathering ahead of Tuesday’s visit to a similarly struggling West Ham United managed by the former manager Nuno Espirito Santonow takes on additional meaning.

Dyche stepped up and noted how he has improved Forest since taking over from Ange Postecoglou in October.

He said: “The league position is better than when we came here. It’s worrying. When I came here we were two points inside the relegation zone. So, that’s what it is.

“I never thought we would run it out and finish in the top seven, believe me.

“So I think it’s a work in progress. It still is. So that’s the truth on the other side of the coin.

“The growth you see, I think we scored one or two goals in the first six games and now we’re scoring 13 and 13. It doesn’t sound like much of a change, but it’s a big change.

“Putting more points on the board. I think it was one of five games or something before we got here, but we put more points on the board.

“So that shows good signs. What changes the story is when you run together like we did.

“I have to see the reality, not the noise. I always remind players that there is a truth to every story and this is our truth.

“That’s the reality we have. But of course it still needs to be addressed and it’s an ongoing situation in football for managers, coaches and players.”

Watkins continued his impressive form, scoring the fourth of three goals over the festive period to celebrate his 250th appearance for Villa.

McGinn fired twice after the break, one from 35 yards, as Unai Emery’s side enjoyed their best winning streak at Villa Park since 1990.

The Spaniard said of Watkins’ return to form: “Two months ago I was happy. Now I’m happy. It’s much better for him.”

“Even if he’s not scoring, other people are scoring. We need every player to be as focused as he is and do his job like he does.

“The most important thing is how we get it done. The numbers matter because it makes them the protagonist. It’s awesome.”