Nottingham Forest are flying high. Vitor Pereira's side have just made history—10 games unbeaten, the club's best run in a decade. And in 2026, they're topping the charts with the most away goals (19) and joint-most away points (16) in the Premier League. Add a 1-0 lead in a Europa League semi-final, and you've got a season to remember.

But Monday's stunning 3-1 win at Chelsea? That was all about the squad players. The unsung heroes, the ones unfairly criticized, the ones fighting for form and fitness.

Take Dilane Bakwa—once Europe's hottest young winger. Or James McAtee, who captained England to U21 European glory last summer and walked away with Player of the Match. Then there's Taiwo Awoniyi, a cult hero who's barely had minutes despite a wonder goal at Brentford in January. His season was nearly derailed after being placed in an induced coma following abdominal surgery last May.

Previous managers threw these second-string players into cup games and watched them struggle. Pereira took a different approach. He integrated them, built their confidence, and trusted their talent. Sometimes, all a player needs is an arm around the shoulder and the green light to play their game.

That welcoming, inclusive environment has forged a tight-knit squad. Everyone knows their contribution matters. They're fighting for each other. As Pereira said after the Chelsea win: "I changed the players, but it didn't change the spirit." The result was pure proof of the bond in the dressing room.

Forest's Premier League survival could be sealed this weekend, depending on results elsewhere. And Thursday's clash with Aston Villa? It's the club's biggest European game in 42 years.

There's still time for Pereira's story to unfold, still time for this squad to truly turn the season around. And if Monday was any indication, they're ready to write a thrilling final chapter.