Nottingham Forest beat Blackburn Rovers 4-1 and Taiwo Awoniyi grabbed himself a deserved goal in this Carabao Cup clash.
The Nigerian sometimes comes in for some criticism. He isn’t Keinan Davis and many fans felt he was the man to replace him.
He has other qualities though. Most notably, he’s got the ability to trouble opposition teams with his awkward style of play.
Not only that but after scoring 17 times last season, it’s clear that he knows where the back of the net is.
He showcased that at Blackburn this evening, netting Forest’s third goal with a coolly-taken finish.
A wonderful ball from Jesse Lingard opened the Rovers’ defence and after taking a touch he buried it beyond Ainsley Pears.
It was the fourth time that the player has found the net this season and he does look like a decent player.
Given that he cost £17.5 million, it’s not unreasonable to suggest that he’s perhaps been trying too hard.
Against Blackburn, he once again had a few bad moments but he never stopped running to try and help the team.
What he lacks in ability, he will more than make up for with determination and the willingness to give everything to the cause.
Awoniyi grabbed another goal against Blackburn
This goal was comfortably his best in the Garibaldi. It was a superb finish after a lovely ball from Lingard.
Awoniyi needs a bit of time, some patience from the fan base and a strong run of games in the team.
Forest haven’t exactly utilised one of their strikers for a prolonged period and Awoniyi looks like the best bet.
Cooper will have been delighted with the overall performance of his team against Rovers on Wednesday night.
Awoniyi scored in the friendly against Valencia on Friday but this one was far more important.
Now, his future looks rather bright and he will hope for more chances to start, and score, over the festive period.
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