Three things Nottingham Forest fans learned throughout West Brom draw

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Nottingham Forest were held to a second successive 1-1 draw as West Bromwich Albion dug their heels in to level late on and leave the City Ground with a share of the Championship spoils.

Adlene Guedioura had given the Reds a lead 15 minutes into the second period with a scrumptious drive from 25 yards, but with Aitor Karanka’s men looking like claiming their first win of the 2018/19 campaign, Baggies’ winger Matt Phillips drove an unstoppable effort beyond Costel Pantilimon with just three minutes remaining.

Whilst a second draw on the trot was perhaps somewhat unjust in the eyes of Forest supporters, the style of football on display from Karanka’s charges ensured extreme optimism for the future.

The Reds have invested heavily in their squad this summer and undoubtedly some neutrals are backing them for great things, but given disappointments in recent years it is safe to say their fans won’t be getting carried away.

Following Tuesday’s stalemate, here are three things learned by Forest fans from the contest…

 Adlène Guedioura is back to his best

 It was questioned what sort of role the Algerian midfielder would get at the City Ground this season, especially given the plethora of midfield talent at Aitor Karanka’s disposal.

 It speaks volumes, however, that the Spanish boss has placed his faith in Guedioura. The 32-year-old has impressed during both of Forest’s opening two fixtures, capping off a man of the match display with Forest’s first home goal of the campaign against West Brom.

 When he is on his very best form there is little to doubt that he is one of the best midfielders in the division and those of a Forest persuasion will hope that there is more to come from Guedioura.

Strength in depth is evident

 Forest made four changes from the side that drew 1-1 with Bristol City on Saturday, demonstrating an embarrassment of riches which now runs through the Reds’ squad.

 Out went Ben Watson, Michael Dawson, Daryl Murphy and Diogo Gonçalves to be replaced by Jack Colback, Tobias Figueiredo, Lewis Grabban and Joe Lolley.

 It speaks volumes that the Reds were so effective despite ringing the changes and the competition for places in the starting line-up can only bode well for the rest of the season at the East Midlands-based outfit.

Another right-back must still be on the agenda

Tendayi Darikwa didn’t play badly against West Brom but he is a player capable of the sublime and the ridiculous all in the same game and his inconsistency could tempt the Forest boss into stepping up his efforts to sign some competition for the ex-Burnley man.

 The Reds remain reasonably keen on West Ham misfit Sam Byram and his calming influence on the right-hand side of a back four, might offer Forest a little bit more balance on the defensive side of things.

 Competition for places is healthy right now at Forest and the right-back slot looks like being a final piece of the jigsaw as far as Forest are concerned this summer.