Now my heart rate has settled down comrades, a few thoughts from last night’s Nottingham Forest v Ipswich Town match. First of all, there are still turnstile entrance problems like v Luton. I got there early, but still only made it with minutes to spare (Brian Clough upper). It needs sorting asap.
Secondly, hats off to Ipswich and their fans. Proper supporters who travelled a long way in their thousands and made more noise than us throughout (until Matz Sels penalty save anyway). It was a tense evening and, on the pitch, an even contest.
Thirdly, Ryan Yates was ‘Man of the Match’ for me, workrate, commitment, leadership. I thought there were 3 Yates’ on the pitch, he was everywhere. Anderson and him should, imo, always start with Morgan Gibbs-White (MGW) ahead of them pulling the creative strings.
Players Review:
Sels didn’t have that much to do and a hero at the end. Highly competent and athletic goalkeeper, we are lucky to have him at his peak.
Aina, dead on his feet in extra time but kept going. His pace saved us a few times. Had a row with Woody after a poor cross but made it up later.
Morata was solid although questions will be asked about another set piece goal given away.
Murillo, not at his absolute best, but still a joy to watch. Passing a bit off.
Moreno under par performance. Perhaps a return to Aston Villa on the cards at the end of the season?
Apart from the opening ten minutes, Sangare was awful. Looked ponderous, caught out of position and knocked over easily at times. Disappointing all round.
Danilo, not entirely convincing, but did Ok. But we need better than just Ok at this stage of the season.
Awoniyi put a shift in, but he’s definitely lost some pace since his first Premier League season with us. He kept feeling his hamstring. Just wondering if his problems are mental rather than physical. Surely we sports psychologists?
Elanga should spend the rest of this week practicing corners and crosses. Time and time again either didn’t clear the first defender or sailed out too long or too near their keeper. Great cross for the goal though. Likewise Callum Hudson-Odoi, though he did look more threatening than Elanga.
I agree entirely with various posters on nottinghamforestrumours.co.uk that our first team are excellent, but the back up squad as a whole needs strengthening. We have been extremely lucky with injuries and suspensions so far.
Finally, MGW was a class apart from anyone else on the pitch. I’m glad that the England manager saw that performance.
Written by StokeyRed March 04 2025 19:31:48
