In September 1998, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire made its television debut, a little startup called Google was finding its feet, and Nottingham Forest held an improbable third place in the Premier League. Fast-forward over 26 years, and Forest fans are, once again, pinching themselves. After an emphatic 3-0 victory over West Ham, their club has returned to the lofty heights of the top three, rekindling memories of those glory days.

For Callum Hudson-Odoi, the last player to walk off the City Ground after Forest’s emphatic win, that 1998 season was before his time. Yet, Forest’s climb up the table this season has every fan reminiscing about an era when a young Steve Stone and Jean-Claude Darcheville were making waves in the top flight. Back then, Forest’s promising start faded into disappointment, ending in relegation. But this time, under the meticulous guidance of Nuno Espirito Santo, the optimism feels well-founded and deeply grounded.

Before a single ball was kicked, the Trent End was a sea of red, with Forza Garibaldi unfurling a massive banner celebrating Nottingham’s rebellious history. The line, “It’s best to be a rebel, so as to show ‘em it don’t pay to try to do you down”, resonated with the fans, especially in light of recent touchline bans and hefty fines the club faced from the FA. Forest has always been a club that defies the odds, and their rise to the top three this season feels like a challenge to the Premier League’s established hierarchy.

The win over West Ham was more than just a scoreline; it was a statement. Chris Wood opened the scoring, marking his eighth goal in 10 games and inching closer to club legends on Forest’s Premier League scoring list. Moments later, Hudson-Odoi and Ola Aina both added to the score with spectacular strikes that left the West Ham defence scrambling. Even though West Ham were reduced to 10 men before half-time, Forest had established dominance long before that, showcasing a style of play that combined resilience with attacking flair.

Morgan Gibbs-White’s return from injury was a highlight, as he orchestrated the game with his creativity, and his replacement, Elliot Anderson, slotted in seamlessly, continuing the onslaught. Nuno now faces the pleasant challenge of fitting both players into the starting XI for the upcoming clash against Newcastle — a headache most managers would be thrilled to have.

This performance was historic for Forest. It marked their first three-game winning streak in the Premier League since 1999 and their biggest top-flight victory since 1996. But beyond the numbers, it underscored something deeper: the City Ground has become a fortress once again. Only Liverpool have conceded fewer goals, and Forest’s four clean sheets already match their total for all of last season. Nuno’s work over the summer to solidify the defence has paid off spectacularly, with Forest now among the most difficult teams to break down.

When Forest celebrated their promotion in 2022, owner Evangelos Marinakis promised fans a return to European football. While that dream felt distant last season, Forest’s current form suggests it could soon be within reach. The fans’ chants of “Forest are back” echo through the City Ground, a stadium that once hosted back-to-back European Cup triumphs under Brian Clough. Now, there’s renewed hope that Forest’s faithful might once again be singing on European nights, in places like Copenhagen, Leverkusen, and Marseille.

Steve Cooper, the former manager who led Forest out of the Championship, once credited the City Ground atmosphere as being a crucial element of their success. That “12th man” energy, which helped Forest survive two seasons of relegation battles, could now drive them toward a very different target.

Just a season ago, Forest were fighting to stay in the Premier League. Now, they’re contenders, and their trajectory under Nuno recalls the early success he had with Wolves — guiding them to seventh place in back-to-back seasons after promotion. For Forest fans, who endured a painful 23-year exile from the Premier League and even a stint in League One, this season feels like a rebirth. A rekindling of the days when Forest weren’t just a Premier League side but a force to be reckoned with.

Nuno has brought more than defensive solidity to Forest; he’s brought a new sense of pragmatism and balance. Every player understands their role, and the defence-first approach has yielded results. Only Liverpool and a few other clubs can boast a similar defensive record, a remarkable transformation for a side that, just last year, struggled to hold the line. Nuno’s focus on making Forest tough to beat has been evident in their defensive stats, but his approach hasn’t stifled their attacking threat. Forest have a potent front line and a midfield that’s both dynamic and disciplined.

For all the joy and optimism at the City Ground, Nuno and the team know there’s a long way to go. The Portuguese manager remains grounded, urging caution amid the excitement. Yet, there’s no denying that Forest have made a statement. Fans can sense something special brewing — the possibility of a return to Europe, perhaps a top-six finish, or at the very least, a season free from the anxiety of relegation battles.

As chants of “Forest are back” reverberate around the City Ground, the club’s supporters have every right to dream. This isn’t just a good run of form; it’s the culmination of years of rebuilding and reimagining what Nottingham Forest can be. And in a league dominated by big names and bigger budgets, Forest’s rise feels like a breath of fresh air — a reminder that history, passion, and a touch of rebellion can still make waves in English football.