'Of all the money' - National media react to huge Nottingham Forest win as transfer point made

Nottingham Forest took a major step toward Premier League survival on Saturday afternoon after winning 3-1 at Sheffield United.

The Tricky Trees had gone a goal down in the match, though responded with strikes from Callum Hudson-Odoi (2) and Ryan Yates to ease relegation fears.

This result has left Nuno Espirito Santo's side three points clear of Luton Town with two matches left to play and five clear of Burnley, who Forest will face on the final day.

Reacting to Saturday's significant triumph at Turf Moor were the national media, whose thoughts on proceedings can be found below.

READ MORE: Jermaine Jenas and Ian Wright spot Nottingham Forest star who is 'back to his best'

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'The best of the lot'

Charlotte Duncker of The Times wrote:

"Of all the money Nottingham Forest have spent since they were promoted the £3million on Callum Hudson-Odoi might have been the best of the lot.

"His double against Sheffield United helped Forest take a significant step towards safety with two games to go on an afternoon when Nuno Espírito Santo’s side were far from their best.

"But performances at this stage of the season, with so much still at stake, do not matter and the only thing that was a necessity was that Forest left Bramall Lane with three points if they wanted to ensure their top-flight status for another season."

'Their destiny lies firmly within their grasp'

Aaron Bower of The Guardian wrote:

"The nature of Nottingham Forest’s season means there will undoubtedly still be twists and turns to come in the next fortnight, off the field and on it. But the magnitude of the celebrations from Forest’s players and their hefty support here underlined what a significant result this could turn out to be.

"Given the drama that has engulfed Forest in recent weeks and months, it has been almost easy to forget at times that this Premier League relegation battle could be settled on the pitch. For once, Forest let their football do the talking, albeit against the league’s worst side, to take a sizeable step towards survival.

"Given this result, and those elsewhere, Forest could be safe before they next kick a ball if their appeal against the four-point deduction they suffered in March is successfully resolved in the next week. If the deduction is overturned, Luton and Burnley would be down and Forest would be safe.

"But if it is not – and let’s face it, it may not be – Forest at least know their destiny lies firmly within their grasp. One more victory, given their superior goal difference over Luton, would probably be enough after two goals from Callum Hudson-Odoi and another from their captain, Ryan Yates, saw off Sheffield United."

'Finally in sight'

John Percy of The Telegraph wrote:

"After an excruciating season, seemingly defined by anger over referees and VAR, plus a points deduction, Nottingham Forest are finally in sight of Premier League survival.

"This felt like a crucial moment for Nuno Espirito Santo as Forest secured their first away win since Boxing Day to put themselves within touching distance of safety.

"Forest will all but guarantee their place in the top division next season if they beat Chelsea next Saturday. Luton occupy the final relegation place with a poor goal difference, so Forest will head into the penultimate weekend hoping to finally put such an agonising campaign to bed.

"They are also expecting to discover the verdict from their appeal over a four-points deduction for breaching financial controls in the next few days. Forest remain hopeful of having their sanction reduced, which raises the prospect of second-bottom club Burnley being relegated without a ball being kicked."

'Within striking distance of safety'

Tom Collomosse of The Daily Mail wrote:

"Forest hearts were in their mouths after Ryan Yates volleyed home early in the second half, as VAR Michael Salisbury checked for a foul by Murillo on Ben Brereton-Diaz.

"Yet the goal stood, Forest led 2-1 and made the points safe when Callum Hudson-Odoi claimed his second of the match – as already-relegated Sheffield United became the first team to concede 100 goals in a 38-game league season.

"The win put Forest three points clear of Luton and within striking distance of safety.

"Forest have been furious with VAR all season and were charged with misconduct for the explosive post on X that followed the defeat by Everton last month, when they believed they were denied three penalties."