Nottingham Forest legend Garry Birtles has suggested he is worried by the Reds difficulty in creating chances in recent weeks and lack of support for striker Lewis Grabban.

Forest managed just one shot on target in their 5-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Carabao Cup Third Round on Tuesday night.

According to Wyscout, Sabri Lamouchi’s side have had just seven shots on target in their last four games and have managed only three goals across that period but have still picked up two wins and a draw.

In his column for the Nottingham Post, Birtles raised this lack of chances created as an issue for his former side.

He said: “Chances being created is something of a wider concern.

“Creativity does remain a worry. 

“For all their good play and defensive solidity (in the Championship), utilising Grabban’s abilities remains a challenge, as does creating chances for him and other players, because they need to be chipping in, too.

“I mean, don’t get me wrong. If you’re creating one chance, scoring it and then winning the game, then that’s not a bad place to be. 

“Risky is one thing it is and something I’m sure Lamouchi is working tirelessly to correct with his players on the training pitch, after all, the season remains in its infancy.

“When you think the squad boasts talent such as Joe Lolley and Joao Carvalho, you’d think creating opportunities wouldn’t prove quite such a challenge.

“Hopefully, that’s something that will be ironed out and improved over the coming weeks.”

Birtles indicated he was also concerned by the lack of cover for striker Lewis Grabban.

He explained: “Grabban was rightly left on the bench in north London with an eye on Stoke (City) this Friday evening, though it does to go show just how weak the squad is in that area and the lack of options at Lamouchi’s disposal.

“For whatever reason, Forest in the summer were unable to add genuine quality in attack to challenge Grabban and provide cover if need be.

“Forest have to keep Lewis fit, if they do that, they’ve got a very good chance, that is, however, a big ask between now and the turn of the year with the amount of games in the schedule.”

The Verdict

Birtles' comments will likely be worrying for Reds fans as it reveals what is a serious worry for the club.

Forest have scored the least goals of any side in the top six and look like they will be reliant on the goals of Grabban this season–if he goes down injured they could be in trouble.

Tyler Walker has been scoring for fun on-loan at Lincoln City, grabbing five goals in 10 games, and the Reds may consider recalling him in January.