Emmanuel Dennis scored his maiden Nottingham Forest goal in Monday’s Premier League fixture against Aston Villa.
Dennis scores first Forest goal
Gibbs-White with the assist
Match ended 1-1 at City Ground.
WHAT HAPPENED? Making his first start for Forest in the English top-flight outing, the Nigeria international put the hosts ahead at City Ground. Having been fouled in an attacking move, Dennis headed Morgan Gibbs-White’s free-kick past goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. That lead lasted for just seven minutes as the visitors levelled matter through Ashley Young.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: This is the striker’s first goal for the Reds since joining the team from Watford. Also, it is a message to manager Steve Cooper that he can get the job done if handed starting roles in subsequent matches. On a broader note, this result is a slight relief for Nottingham Forest who have lost their last six league matches prior to taking on Steven Gerrard’s men.
ALL EYES ON: Aside from his maiden strike for the City Ground side, Dennis put up an impressive display with stats showing he accounted for one shot on goal, and one key pass, while he was fouled thrice and dispossessed on two occasions. He was replaced in the 71st minute by Sam Surridge.
WHAT ELSE? Unlike Dennis, Serge Aurier and Cheikhou Kouyate who were in action, Taiwo Awoniyi was an unused substitute for Forest. On the other hand, Zimbabwe international Marvelous Nakamba was not considered for selection by Villa.
THE MATCH IN THREE PHOTOS:
DID YOU KNOW? All 11 of Emmanuel Dennis’ Premier League goals have been scored from inside the box, while he has now scored on his first start in the competition for both Watford (August 2021 also vs Aston Villa) and Nottingham Forest (tonight).
WHAT NEXT FOR DENNIS? Buoyed by his strike against Aston Villa, the Super Eagle would be hoping to find the net again when Forest travel to Wolverhampton Wanderers on October 15.