Jermaine Jenas delivered a contradictory verdict on Jesse Lingard as Nottingham Forest beat Liverpool yesterday.
The Reds defied the odds to shock last season’s Champions League finalists.
Jenas was doing punditry for BT Sport and he made a comment on Lingard during the 29th minute of the 1-0 win.
Lingard was a surprise inclusion in the Forest eleven.
He did play against Brighton in midweek but it was anticipated he might drop out again today.
Cooper stuck with Lingard, though, and he got a standing ovation from the Forest fans when he was substituted.
Jenas took a savage dig at Lingard in the 29th minute of the game but was impressed when he was subbed off.
He said live on BT Sport: “That was really lazy from Lingard. He has to do better there.”
But, Jenas, in true pundit fashion quickly backtracked.
He said when Lingard was substituted: “He’s put a real shift in today. He’s done his bit and worked really hard, to be honest.”
Lingard signed for the Reds in the summer transfer window.
Forest beat West Ham to his signature and naturally it was viewed as an intriguing signing by the Reds.
Jenas delivered contradictory verdict on Lingard
Forest fans will have to get used to Lingard.
He’s at the City Ground for a reason and it may take some time for the Reds faithful to see the real Lingard.
Ultimately, he was fine against Liverpool and showcased his fighting qualities, particularly out of possession.
The 29-year-old will still be striving to do more.
He’s claimed just one assist since he signed for the club and as a perfectionist like Lingard, he will want more.
Consistency will come though and after this performance, he’s given Cooper some real food for thought.
Receive a digest of our best Nottingham Forest content each week direct to your mailbox
