Ndoye shines on opening day debut

Nottingham Forest beat Brentford 3-1 at the City Ground to win an opening day fixture for the first time since 2017.

Ndoye shines on opening day debut

Nottingham Forest beat Brentford 3-1 at the City Ground on opening day, with Dan Ndoye making a striking Premier League debut. The Swiss winger scored with a cushioned header after a cross from Morgan Gibbs-White, a moment that capped a balanced attacking display and answered questions about Forests new signings after losing Anthony Elanga to Newcastle. Ndoye arrived in a deal reported around 30 million pounds, and his early impact suggested he could fill the gap left by the winger while adding direct goal threat.

Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo was quick to praise Ndoye and his potential fit within the squad. Ndoye played 78 minutes, covered 9.2 kilometres and reached a top speed of 32.6 kilometres per hour as Forest pressed with pace and poise. The result gives Forest momentum as they chase European competition this season, though the early fixtures will test depth and consistency as the calendar tightens.

Ndoye’s debut reflects Forests aggressive transfer plan this window a bold move in a league where spending carries both hype and risk. The roughly 30 million pound price tag signals ambition but also sets a bar for returns that will need to be met across the campaign. If Ndoye sustains this level, the investment could be justified; if not, the club will face scrutiny from fans and potential investors who want to see a clear pathway to balance and success.

Beyond Ndoye the broader story is how Espirito Santo shapes a squad with speed and intent. The opening win shows a team capable of overwhelm through pace and pressing, but one result does not erase the long road ahead. The season will reveal whether Forest can translate early momentum into steady progress and sustainable growth.

Highlights

The next fixtures will test how much this moment can carry forward.