Nottingham Forest were handed a reality check in Cardiff as they slipped to a 2-0 defeat in the Sunday rain.
The Reds conceded early when Jordan Hugill was given the freedom of Cardiff to fire a shot beyond the reach of Brice Samba.
Forest continued to toil and found themselves 2-1 down with 20 minutes remaining.
A Joe Ralls effort came back off the bar and after it hit Samba landed perfectly into the path of Isaak Davies who couldn’t miss.
Keinan Davis grabbed a consolation for the Reds at the death.
Following the performance, we looked at three things we learned from the performance in Wales.
Scott McKenna is human
It was the Scotland international who gave away possession cheaply in the build-up to the first goal.
Some might feel that’s the first time he’s produced a below-par performance since signing for the club in 2020.
The Reds enforcer wasn’t at his best and ultimately, he proved to the Forest faithful that he’s not superhuman after all.
Reinforcements are needed for Forest
Forest saw Lewis Grabban limp off late on and that is a big concern. But, even before that, a lack of depth on the bench was clearly evident.
The Reds now have 24 hours to finalise their squad for the remainder of the 2021/22 campaign.
Ultimately, Forest must get their business spot on. Cooper will know that his team’s play-off ambitions rest on it.
Three at the back favours Forest
Cooper must stick with his three at the back system. The Reds look far more solid and organised when the team line up with a three-man defence.
Steve Cook partnered Scott McKenna at the back but a flat back four does appear to suit the squad far more.
Forest have to stick to what they’re good at and playing three at the back is the way forward.
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