Brice Samba was, not for the first time this season, the hero for Nottingham Forest as they edged out Wigan on Sunday.
Tobias Figueiredo found the target, but it was his keeper who ensured that was the only goal of the game.
Samba’s strong left hand completed a job started by a towering header.
Preventing another Groundhog Day at the City Ground in the process.
Those who have seen points slip the net on a regular basis at home this season feared a familiar script was being written late on against the Latics.
As against Middlesbrough a few weeks earlier, Forest had taken to shooting themselves in the foot after getting their noses in front.
Jack Robinson was the guilty party with a clumsy challenge on that occasion.
Alfa Semedo took on the role against Wigan.
Two questionable tackles and two very untimely penalties conceded.
The first was converted, as the Reds were left cursing their luck, but fortune favours the brave.
Reputation
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Samba very much fits that mould.
A larger-than-life character has quickly become something of a cult hero on Trentside.
Said reputation was enhanced in his most recent outing.
With the Congolese custodian delivering on a promise made a few weeks earlier.
Few fingers were pointed in Samba’s direction on the back of a 2-2 draw with Millwall, but he held his hands up regardless.
“I owe you guys”, he said, despite nobody suggesting they felt let down.
Samba has become an award-winning, penalty-saving, always-smiling, most reliable last line of defence.
Seeing him beat away Josh Windass’ spot-kick came as no real surprise.
It times of need, talismanic figures step up.
Samba did so, as a “man of my word”.
Ability
Samba has become, literally and figuratively, the first name on the teamsheet in the space of just four-and-a-bit months.
There is, however, no chance of him being allowed to rest on his laurels.
Sabri Lamouchi has said in the Nottingham Post: “Yes, he has been good for us. He did a great job.
“He saved a lot of situations until now and rescued a lot of points, so I am happy with him. But he needs to stay focused until the end – and the end is May.”
There is little chance of Samba getting ahead of himself.
As things stand, he boasts the perfect mix of ability and temperament.
Don’t get caught up in the highs, or too down during the lows.
In many ways, Samba embodies going through the motions in the best possible way.
And long may that continue.
East, sleep, save, repeat!
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