Callum Hudson-Odoi proves the penny has finally dropped with Arsenal surprise

Nottingham Forest are enjoying their best campaign in three decades - and the secret of their success is simple.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side cannot carry any passengers.

For all of Chris Wood’s goals, Morgan Gibbs-White’s invention, and the twin peaks of Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic at the back - they wouldn’t be dreaming in the East Midlands if it weren’t for discipline, doggedness, and defensive determination. That fact may have been lost on a teenage Callum Hudson-Odoi when he was part of a Chelsea squad that lifted the Champions League.

Following a meteoric start at Stamford Bridge, the winger’s star came plummeting to earth almost as quickly as it rocketed into the atmosphere.

He hasn’t spent a couple of years in the wilderness so much - although he was out of sight and mind at Bayer Leverkusen - but his career was at a crossroads when Forest offered him a lifeline. And it has taken a couple of seasons - but the penny has finally dropped.

Nuno sprang a surprise upon Mikel Arteta last night. He swapped his wingers around. It took just three minutes for stand-in left-back Riccardo Calafiori to haul Hudson-Odoi down and earn himself a booking.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had seen enough by the interval. Kieran Tierney was introduced from the bench. The Scot may not be flavour of the month at the Emirates - but he knows how to play left-back.

But what was more impressive about the former Under-17 World Cup winner with England wasn’t so much his industry going forward. He tracked back relentlessly. His work-rate was compelling. That’s not always been the case.

Hudson-Odoi is part of a successful system. And he’s part of a team chasing success once more. In a quiet moment, he might ponder if those two are linked.

Ask anyone at Nottingham Forest and they’ll say they almost certainly are.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.