Nottingham Forest Players Show Belief in Winning Away Against Premier League Giants
Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper commended his players for their unwavering belief in their ability to secure victories against top Premier League teams away from home. After suffering defeats at the hands of Arsenal and Manchester United in their first two away games, Forest finally secured a win on the road, erasing the memory of their dismal away record last season.
Forest’s 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge was well-deserved, as they defended resolutely and capitalized on counter-attacks. Taiwo Awoniyi, who recently joined Forest from Manchester United in a £15 million move, set up Anthony Elanga to score his first goal for the club.
Cooper expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, especially considering the challenges they faced in previous matches. He acknowledged the treatment Forest received at Old Trafford, where Joe Worrall was controversially shown a red card, and Marcus Rashford won a penalty following minimal contact from Danilo, resulting in United’s winning goal.
The manager praised his players for sticking to their game plan and executing it effectively. He emphasized that Forest did not come to Stamford Bridge with the intention of dominating possession and creating numerous chances. Instead, they focused on creating opportunities while maintaining a clean sheet, which ultimately led to their victory.
Although Awoniyi couldn’t extend his scoring streak to eight consecutive league games, he played a crucial role in setting up Elanga’s decisive goal. Cooper highlighted the importance of other players contributing to the team’s success and expressed confidence in Elanga’s abilities as a finisher.
The manager also emphasized the significance of keeping a clean sheet against Chelsea, stating that there was no shame in prioritizing defensive solidity. He acknowledged the deserving nature of the victory for both the players and the supporters, who had endured disappointing results in previous games.
With this win, Forest can now leave Stamford Bridge with something to celebrate and build upon. Cooper expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance and the fans’ support, highlighting the positive atmosphere they created throughout the match.
In conclusion, Nottingham Forest’s victory at Stamford Bridge showcased their belief in their ability to triumph against top Premier League teams away from home. Despite previous defeats, the team remained resilient and executed their game plan effectively. The contributions of players like Awoniyi and Elanga were crucial in securing the win, and the team’s defensive solidity was commendable. Forest’s supporters played a significant role in creating a positive atmosphere, and the victory provided them with something to cheer about. This win marks a turning point for Nottingham Forest and sets a positive tone for their future away fixtures.
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