(Credit: Getty, Imago)

Evan Shaw

Thu 19 March 2026 8:45, UK

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Nottingham Forest must place their hopes in Omari Hutchinson to ensure that they retain their Premier League status for another season.

The winger has faced plenty of criticism from fans since his £37.5million arrival from Ipswich Town last summer, but it has become increasingly clear of late that Reds supporters need to lay off their club’s record buy a little.

The 22-year-old has managed just one goal and three assists in the Premier League so far this term, but he could be an unlikely hero for the East Midlands outfit in the final stages of the season.

Vitor Pereira’s side are currently outside the relegation zone on goal difference alone ahead of the final eight games of the campaign, and they are desperately in need of a hero.

Forest travel to face Tottenham in a crucial ‘six-pointer’ at the foot of the table on Sunday, and Pereira will know that his team need a spark after some struggles in front of goal in recent weeks.

Omari Hutchinson in elite Premier League company for key stat

Hutchinson hasn’t had it easy since his move to the City Ground, as he has regularly found himself bouncing in and out of the starting XI since the beginning of the campaign.

The wideman has managed just 11 Premier League starts, although his influence has grown slightly since Pereira came in and took the reins after Sean Dyche’s sacking.

The former Chelsea academy graduate has largely underperformed given his eye-catching transfer fee, but he could hold the key for his team as their survival fight begins to reach its pivotal stages.

Forest have desperately lacked creativity and a cutting edge in front of goal in recent weeks, highlighted by the fact that they have scored just once from their last 99 goals on home turf.

Hutchinson has taken a battering from some sections of the support throughout the campaign, but statistics show that he should perhaps be getting a little more respect.

He is inside the top 10 players in the entire Premier League when it comes to big chances created per game, according to Squawka, as his tally of 0.5 big chances created per 90 mins is only bettered by five other players.

Among them are the likes of genuine elite stars Bruno Fernandes and Rayan Cherki, showing just how effective Hutchinson has been at times.

Forest are growing increasingly desperate for a spark with every passing game, and with that in mind, Pereira needs to begin placing more faith in Hutchinson, while supporters need to try and get behind the star.

Recruitment expert hails Hutchinson’s attitude at Forest

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider back in December that he had been impressed by Hutchinson’s attitude during a period of the season where he was continually on the bench for Forest.

He suggested that the youngster had shown great resilience and determination to keep trying to make an impact for his team, despite his efforts perhaps not being recognised by his manager as much as he would have liked.

Since then, Hutchinson has begun to grow in confidence at the City Ground, and Forest will be hoping that his growth has come at the ideal moment in the season.

Hutchinson needs to take responsibility and become the man who steps up to help lift his team towards survival.

The Reds are in need of a hero, and the winger could be that man, provided that the fans cut him some slack in the process.