Chris Wood has said he is grateful to Erling Haaland after continuing his prolific start to the season with two goals in Nottingham Forest’s 3-1 win at Leicester City.
Forest are fifth after two Wood goals without reply after half-time at the King Power Stadium gave the New Zealand forward a total of seven league goals this season, with only Manchester City’s Haaland – on ten – ahead of him.
“We want to try to bring it back or I’ll be out of a job,” Wood joked to Sky Sports when he was asked about the re-emergence of imposing centre-forwards in the top flight.
“For a period of time, the small centre-forward with a lot of pace was used but, thankfully, Erling has brought it back. He’s a very formidable man and he’s probably going to score 30 goals this season.”
Chris Wood, TAKE A BOW! 🔥
He’s now the second highest goal scorer in Premier League history for Nottingham Forest 😮 pic.twitter.com/GkFMi8JeCr
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 25, 2024
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Premier League top scorers
Haaland’s tendency to move relatively little and have precious few touches during matches is not a natural match for City manager Pep Guardiola’s tactics, but the Norway talisman’s remarkable exploits since he joined the club in 2022 have changed the Spaniard’s approach.
The 24-year-old has comfortably won the Premier League Golden Boot in each of his two full seasons in England, contributing 74 goals and 13 assists in a total of 73 league appearances.
City’s spearhead has not scored for three league games, while 32-year-old Wood has four goals in his last three.
“I just want to keep scoring as many as I can,” said Wood. “He’s a very formidable man to chase. It’s a very nice start for myself and the team.
“I’m not someone who will put one in the top corner; I rely on myself and the service from my teammates, and it’s been great.”
Chris Wood bags AGAIN! 🔥
Nottingham Forest take the lead at the start of the second half through Wood’s sixth of the season 💥 pic.twitter.com/e17KNjmNkW
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 25, 2024
Chris Wood goals
Forest captain Ryan Yates struck from 25 yards for the 16th-minute opener at Leicester before Jamie Vardy met Harry Winks’ cross to equalise seven minutes later.
Wood scored his first with a smart turn and finish two minutes after the break, then capitalised on uncertain defending to head in 13 minutes later.
Only Haaland, with 18, has scored more goals aside from penalties than the 16 netted by Wood since Nuno Espirito Santo took charge of Forest for the first time in December 2023.
