Nottingham Forest took a huge stride towards securing their place in the last 16 of the Europa League last night, with a phenomenal 3-0 win over Fenerbahçe.
Vitor Pereira secured a dream first game in charge of the Reds, subsequently confining the hosts to just their third home defeat of the season across all competitions.
His men ended up registering 23 shots on goal during the triumph, seven of which were on target – resulting in the club scoring three goals away from home for just the second time this season.
Defensively, the Reds were just as impressive in Istanbul, resulting in the Turkish outfit only being able to register two shots on target during the 90-minute showing.
The manager will no doubt be delighted with the performance from his new side, with numerous players managing to catch the eye with their individual showings.
Forest’s star performers against Fenerbahçe last night
Striker Igor Jesus has thrived in the Europa League this season, with his showing in Turkey last night once again highlighting how impressive he can be in the final third.
The Brazilian’s effort late in the first half handed Pereira’s men a two-goal lead at the break, leaping highest at the back post and poking him past Ederson.
He also managed to get himself an assist just minutes into the second half, subsequently beating the offside trap and teeing up Morgan Gibbs-White for a tap-in.
The Reds captain also had an evening to remember in Istanbul, with his underlying stats demonstrating why he led by example during the three-goal victory.
The Englishman managed to create two chances alongside his goal, which even saw him tee up Jesus for his seventh European goal of what’s been an impressive season.
Gibbs-White also won 100% of the aerial duels he entered, whilst also making four ball recoveries – highlighting his sensational workmanlike style without the ball.
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In what has been a tricky season for Forest, Gibbs-White has often been a shining light and has popped up with the goods within the final third when called upon.
He may not have been a Reds player altogether this campaign after being at the centre of a transfer saga with Tottenham Hotspur agreeing to pay £60m for his services.
However, he penned a new deal at the City Ground, subsequently featuring in 36 matches to date and notching 13 goal contributions – the second best return of his career in the East Midlands.
His role as captain has seen the attacking midfielder become one of the first names on the teamsheet, with the former Wolves star likely to play a key role in the survival bid.
Gibbs-White isn’t the only player who should be a regular starter week in and week out under Pereira, with midfielder Ibrahim Sangare another star who’s become crucial in recent months.
The Ivorian came under huge fire for his lack of impact during his first two years at the club, but he’s been a revelation this campaign – arguably becoming the most improved player in the senior ranks.
Like Gibbs-White, he started the clash in Turkey last night, with the holding midfielder producing a dominant display at the heart of the Reds’ starting eleven.
The 28-year-old won four ground duels and made two tackles, subsequently offering a ball-winning presence for the side alongside fan-favourite Elliot Anderson.
|
Ibrahim Sangare – stats against Fenerbahce |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics |
Tally |
|
Minutes played |
90 |
|
Touches |
58 |
|
Pass accuracy |
82% |
|
Passes into final third |
5 |
|
Tackles made |
2 |
|
Ground duels won |
4 |
|
Ball recoveries |
12 |
|
Interceptions made |
3 |
He also made three interceptions and 12 ball recoveries, with his effortless ability to regain possession allowing Gibbs-White to star within attacking areas.
However, with the ball, Sangare was just as impressive, subsequently completing 82% of the passes he attempted, with five of which being made into the final third.
The Ivorian also completed two dribbles – the most of any player on the pitch – with his progressive nature handing the captain the tools he needed to create chaos for the opposition.
There’s no denying that Sangare is finally starting to show the quality many of the fans expected when the hierarchy forked out £30m for his signature in the summer of 2023.
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Evangelos Marinakis has spent big in recent years.
His skillset in and out of possession will be vital for the Reds in any attempt to secure survival in the Premier League, whilst advancing to the next round of the Europa League.
The midfield trio of Gibbs-White, Sangare and Anderson is undoubtedly one of the best in the division, with all three stars having a huge part to play in the months ahead.
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