From that first victory on a sun-drenched August day to last week’s drama on a soaking wet Monday night, the City Ground has been the scene for some special moments this season.
How Nottingham Forest could do with there being just one more. One more big result, one more incredible collective effort, one more massive outpouring of emotion at the final whistle.
The City Ground was made for occasions such as these. Arsenal coming to visit on a Saturday night with survival at stake.
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It is a stage made for Premier League football, too. Ninety minutes against the Gunners will go a long way towards determining whether it retains that status for another year.
It’s not do-or-die. There is still another game to play after that. But the Reds know just how crucial a positive outcome could be.
And they have shown anything is possible on the banks of the Trent. The atmosphere has been phenomenal, enough to give you goosebumps when a rendition of “Forest are magic” starts rolling around the ground. The noise has been deafening.
Every club talks about making their home a fortress, but the bond between fans, players and manager has seen that genuinely put into practice Trentside. There is a collective will and spirit that spreads right throughout the stadium, from the stands down to the pitch.
That’s not to say it has all been rosy this term. Steve Cooper’s side have had some lows and some frustrations at home, too.
What they need to make sure is that come the final whistle on Saturday they don’t have any regrets. Even an Arsenal side with faltering title hopes are very dangerous opponents. Don't underestimate just how tough it is going to be.
But there is the chance for this to be a defining moment. It is a challenge to be relished.
On their own turf, the Reds have shown they needn’t fear anyone. They have players who can cause any side problems, and they have the makings of a settled line-up which has shown grit, determination, resolve and resilience in recent games.
Going to Crystal Palace on the final day in need of a result would be nobody’s idea of an ideal situation. That the away losing streak was ended with the draw at Chelsea is a plus, but any suggestion Palace would be on the beach would be unlikely to wash with Roy Hodgson - that’s why he has dragged them clear of trouble.
Forest have it within them to get over the line. Cooper has placed an emphasis on putting in performances in the run-in, with the belief that would yield results.
It has largely worked. His team are playing well, and they will take belief and confidence from that.
There’s always the unpredictables in games - the VAR calls, the refereeing decisions, the inexplicable errors - which can determine outcomes. But the Reds have given themselves a fighting chance of staying up. Amid what is sure to be another incredible atmosphere, it would be some way to bring the curtain down on their City Ground campaign.
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