Nottingham Forest boss Philippe Montanier believes Newcastle United are the league's best team, despite beating Rafa Benitez' nine-man side - healsoinsisted it's still difficult to beat the Magpies even when they have had two men sent off.
Forest moved up to 13th in the Championship table following an impressive 2-1 over league leaders Newcastle at the City ground, their third win in a row,and were helped by an ill-disciplined display from the Toon, asJonjo Shelvey and Paul Dummett received their marching orders in the first-half.
However, speaking to theChronicleLive,Montanier suggested that despite having a two-man advantage for most for most of the game, Newcastle still looked impressive, and that they are still the team to beat in the race to return to the top flight of English football.
"For me they are the best team in the Championship,� Montanier explained.
They have the best attack, the best scorer, one of the best defences and technical quality, as well as physical strength and very good organisation with a top manager like Benitez.
Rafa Benitez blasts Henri Lansbury's "acting" saying "maybe he's proud of himself." Full story here: https://t.co/dVRW5e8FZL pic.twitter.com/WEHDbcnjCL
For me it is the best team. Even 11 against nine it was difficult because that team have a lot of qualities.�
Despite the disappointing defeat, which followed a mid-week shock penalty shoot-out quarter-final exit of the EFL Cup at the hands of Hull City, Benitez' men are still leading the race at the top of the Championship, one point above their nearest competition, Brighton.
Up next is a tough fixture againstfifth placed Birmingham City, as Newcastle look to avoid their third loss in a row in all competitions.