Nuno Espirito Santo's Nottingham Forest impact: Counter-attacking style, clear ideas and success merit respect

On Boxing Day, in Nuno Espirito Santo's first away game in charge, Nottingham Forest became the first team to score three goals against Newcastle United at St James' Park since Manchester City in August of last year – and even City did not win.

This was the first time that Forest had scored three goals away from home in a Premier League game this century. In his very first attempt, Nuno matched Forest's total number of away wins this season. Indeed, he has matched the total for last season too.

It was hugely impressive, Chris Wood cutting through the defence against his former club to score a hat-trick. In Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi, there was quality support for the striker, while the defence held firm to secure the win.

A run of one win from 14 games had many fearing for their Premier League future. It is why Steve Cooper was replaced. But on this evidence, Nuno seems to have a clear vision for how Forest can play. Others will already be worried they could pull away from danger.

But should this really be a surprise?

It was curious to follow the reaction to Nuno's appointment. Sympathy for Cooper was understandable and appropriate given the seismic change that he had instituted at the club, transforming Championship strugglers and setting them on a very different path.

Less logical was the way that Nuno's abilities were denigrated. Cast as a failure following his brief time at Tottenham Hotspur - one that comprised just 10 Premier League games, half of which he won - his accomplishments before and since were too easily ignored.

Fourth with Valencia and second with Porto, he coached both in the Champions League, took Rio Ave and Wolves into Europe, and won the title in Saudi Arabia. The lowest