Nottingham Forest's reserve side have been given a ringing endorsement of their playing style - by Arsenal boss Arsène Wenger.

Forest's second string met The Gunners in a behind-closed-doors friendly yesterday and although they lost 2-0, their performance drew praise from the Frenchman.

Coach John Pemberton said: "Arsène Wenger came over at the end and congratulated me on the way we had played, which as a coach was really pleasing to hear.

"He told me that the way we play is how he believes football should be played and when a manager of his stature says something like that it carries a bit of substance."

Arsenal, who included several players in their line-up who are likely to face Burnley in the quarter-finals of the Carling Cup next week, scored both of their goals in the first half.

But Forest had chances of their own. Arron Davies went closest with an effort that was cleared off the line.