Martin O’Neill’s reign at Nottingham Forest got off to a disappointing start as they lost 1-0 to Bristol City at the City Ground.
The Reds produced a turgid performance in front of a sell-out crowd in the Northern Irishman’s first game.
Lee Johnson’s side took advantage in the second-half as Famara Diedhiou’s strike earned the Robins a fourth successive league win.
In this case, it was a very similar performance from the Reds to the one against QPR before Christmas.
Unfortunately for O’Neill, he was unable to secure a more positive result on this occasion.
Following the contest, Seat Pitch rated the players as follows…
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Costel Pantilimon 7
Made a couple of decent saves from Andreas Weimann and Callum O’Dowda in the first-half, but could do little to prevent Diedhiou’s decisive strike following Weimann’s cutback.
Saidy Janko 6
A relatively poor performance from the right-back, especially going forward. The Reds missed Tendayi Darikwa’s attacking threat.
Yohan Benalouane 8 SEAT PITCH STAR MAN
The 31-year-old produced a very promising performance on his debut, especially considering his lack of match action. Diedhiou proved a real handful all afternoon, but Benalouane won majority of his aerial battles.
Jack Robinson 7
Produced another reasonably solid display in the centre of defence. However, the Reds lack balance when he isn’t at left-back.
Ben Osborn 6
Looked fairly awkward throughout, was caught out of position on a number of occasions. He is far more effective when utilised further up the pitch either on the left wing or in central midfield.
Jack Colback 8
Another solid display from the experienced midfielder. If it wasn’t for some tough tackles at crucial moments in the game, the away side may have been able to extend their lead further. He looks set to be ever-present in O’Neill’s side.
Claudio Yacob 6
The Argentinean didn’t look his usual self in this match. The likes of Josh Brownhill and Jamie Paterson seemed to have a lot of joy in the middle of the park, something Yacob wouldn’t normally allow to happen.
Joe Lolley 6
Seems to be suffering from a lack of confidence. He hasn’t played anywhere near what he is capable of for a number of weeks. He did improve slightly in the second-half but was easily nullified by the Robins.
Matty Cash 5
As expected from Cash, he produced another tireless performance but had very little to show for it. His control was poor throughout and his lack of final ball saw him eventually substituted for Gil Dias in the second-half.
Daryl Murphy 4
After his superb display against Leeds, the City Ground would have expected more from the big striker. He failed to hold the ball up throughout and subsequently had no influence on the game.
Lewis Grabban 6
Remained the Reds’ main attacking threat throughout the game. He made one good mazy run in the first-half which almost resulted in a goal, but he was largely frustrated throughout and has now gone seven games without scoring.
Substitutes
Adlene Guédioura 6
Made a couple of driving forward runs which caused the Robins a few nervy moments late on, but ultimately to no avail. Added slightly more attacking threat after he replaced Yacob.
Gil Dias 4
Came on in place of Cash with just under 20 minutes to play, but barely seemed to have a touch. He had one run towards goal which appeared promising, before he failed to either pass or shoot and ended up losing the ball.