Is Joe Lolley back to his best at Nottingham Forest?

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Nottingham Forest winger Joe Lolley produced another scintillating performance against Derby County on Monday. 

Although he didn’t find the back of the net against the Rams, Lolley produced one of his best performances since Martin O’Neill’s arrival.

There’s no doubt that when Lolley plays well, the Reds tend to secure a positive result. When he isn’t at his best, they can struggle to create chances.

Terrorised

Coming up against ex-England international Ashley Cole, it was always going to go one of two ways. The 38-year-old left-back was either going to use his experience to limit Lolley’s influence on the game, or he was going to be given the runaround. It’s fair to say the latter was the more accurate description of what played out.

Lolley was in the mood from the very first whistle. His free-kick in the opening minute caused havoc. This was capitalised on by Yohan Benalouane as he stabbed home in front of Lower Bridgford.

He was a key reason why O’Neill’s decision to press the Rams so high up the pitch was effective. He never gave their defenders a moment of rest. If it wasn’t for Daryl Murphy’s poor touch, he would’ve had another assist to his name after catching Fikayo Tomori off-guard.

He could’ve scored himself after some good work from Jack Robinson down the left-hand side. Lolley connected with his cross sweetly on the volley and the ball was almost diverted in via Ryan Yates.

Lolley’s influence did start to die down after the break, perhaps unsurprisingly after the momentous effort he made in the first half. However, just him being on the pitch ensured Derby’s backline remained nervy.

Comfortable

There’s no doubt that Lolley’s form significantly dipped during the unsettling period which led to Aitor Karanka’s departure from the club.

He’s been given a new lease of life since O’Neill arrived. Together with the fact that he signed a new four-and-a-half-year deal earlier this month, he has every reason to be enjoying his football again.

It could be argued that the Reds now have one of the best players in the division. If Lolley continues to perform, there will be plenty of sides interested in luring him away this summer.

With important games against Stoke, Hull, and Aston Villa on the horizon, Lolley’s contribution is going to be crucial. If the Reds are to have any chance of making the play-offs, the winger has to keep producing.

Whatever happens over the next few weeks, it’s nice to have a winger capable of getting the crowd out of their seats. The Reds haven’t really had that since Michael Antonio left the club.