Chris Wood’s 18-month stint with Nottingham Forest has been eventful. Now he’s beginning to show what he’s capable of, and some incredible figures have emerged.
Wood scored goal number 12 in Forest’s 3-1 victory over Fulham at the City Ground on Tuesday night. His speculative long-range shot went past Bernd Leno, and the striker merely threw his fists in the air, as if to shout, ‘Yes, me again!’
Following the game on Tuesday, Steve Hodge praised Wood’s Forest performance, stating the variety of goals he continues to score as a positive feature of his game and referring to him as a ‘brute’.
Wood has been in top form for Forest this season. With Taiwo Awoniyi missing a number of games due to injuries, someone has got to step up this season.
With Awoniyi still injured and out of the Forest squad, Wood will have the opportunity to keep his shirt. Now, certain statistics show that the New Zealand striker ranks higher than any other player in the Premier League.
Chris Wood top of the Premier League for one statistic
It’s fairly remarkable to see Wood, who was written off by many Forest supporters, sitting comfortably above of several top strikers in one element of his game.
The numbers originate from FBRef, which compiles information for teams and players based on a variety of variables.
Wood is currently ranked first among Premier League players in terms of the proportion of shots he takes on target when playing for Forest.
The 32-year-old talisman has converted 60.7% of his 28 shots on goal this season, scoring 11 goals from only 17 attempts.
Wood is ahead of Evan Ferguson, who has 60.6% of his shots on target. Forest winger Callum Hudson-Odoi is third with exactly 60%.
Wood can help Forest stay in the Premier League and he deserves to stay
It’s been a hot matter of conversation, but the future of Wood at Forest appears to have become clearer in recent days.
According to The Telegraph’s John Percy, Wood has a deal for next season. As a result, Forest may not have to bother about a striker.
The player is now helping the Reds stay in the Premier League for another season. Indeed, few would have projected 11 league goals from him this season.
Wood’s performance is a credit to his abilities as a player – and as a person – given that he returned from a dismal 2022/23 season with something to prove.
He’s returned fitter, stronger and ultimately, he’s silenced his critics. Based on those elements, he deserves a chance to stay at the club and hopefully, Forest utilise him next season too.
