Nottingham boss Nuno explains how unplanned Awoniyi helped them against Arsenal

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo reveals that he did not plan to field Awoniyi for as long as he did in defeat to Arsenal.

Nottingham Forest's coach, Nuno Espirito Santo, expressed his unexpected delight at Taiwo Awoniyi's performance during the team's recent 2-1 loss to Arsenal. 

Santo, who took charge of Forest last month following Steve Cooper's departure, initially had no plans to bring Awoniyi into the game but found himself pleasantly surprised by the striker's impact.

Unexpected Turn of Events

Despite winning three out of his first four games in charge, Santo faced challenges, with key players sidelined due to injuries. Awoniyi, who missed AFCON 2023 due to a persistent groin problem, made a timely return to the squad. 

Santo admitted, "It was not our plan to play him for so many minutes because he has just had two or three sessions with the team."

Awoniyi's unexpected entry into the match came after Chris Wood suffered a hamstring injury early in the second half. With Divock Origi also out due to a muscle injury, Awoniyi's return proved to be crucial for Forest. 

Santo acknowledged the importance of having multiple striking options available, stating, "It is imperative to have two strikers available because it is fundamental for our game."

Despite being ranked 16th in the Premier League table, just two points above the relegation zone, Santo remains optimistic about Forest's prospects. With key players returning to fitness and contributing positively, Santo aims to steer the team towards better results in the coming fixtures.

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