Watching on as they stuttered in the second half to a 2-2 draw against Real Betis, Stan Collymore heaped praise on one Nottingham Forest star who enjoyed an excellent game.
Antony denies Nottingham Forest late on
It looked set to be another evening to forget in the early days of Ange Postecoglou’s Nottingham Forest tenure when Cedric Bakambu thumped home an acute finish after just 15 minutes. But Forest soon rallied and Igor Jesus soon made his mark.
The Brazilian, who came into the side ahead of Chris Wood, found himself on the end of a free-flowing move that Postecoglou will hope to see become a staple of his tenure. And after levelling things up just three minutes after Bakambu’s opener, the forward was at it again. This time, he headed home on the end of Douglas Luiz’s corner as the two compatriots combined.
It then seemed as though Jesus was destined to get his hat-trick. Chance after chance came his way. The summer signing was at the centre of most things good up until the final finish.
In a game on the European stage, those chances simply must find the back of the net. Otherwise, just as Forest did, teams pay a hefty price. This time, in similar fashion to Swansea City’s recent comeback in the Carabao Cup, it was Antony who took full advantage to equalise for Betis late on.
Unmarked at the back post, the former Manchester United winger had the simple task of tapping home. Once again, Postecoglou’s new side failed to get over the line.
There are still positives to take, however. Jesus enjoyed a goalscoring European debut and one other star man enjoyed yet another excellent game.
Collymore praises “class” Anderson
Whilst Forest failed to hold on to secure victory, that didn’t stop Collymore from sending praise the way of Elliot Anderson. The former City Ground ace took to X to describe the England international as “class” in what was a particularly impressive first-half display.
Collymore said: “Anderson having an A class game for Forest. Driving forward, keeps ball under pressure, allows Sangare and Luiz to hover around half way and pop the ball around, letting him make quality runs.”
It’s not the first time that the midfield star has been at the centre of praise as of late and it’s unlikely to be the last. At 22 years old, he remains one to watch even as Forest find their feet under Postecoglou.
