Nottingham Forest lost 2-0 at Fulham and made Premier League history. A bizarre moment during the sixth minute has now etched the club’s name into the history books.
The Reds were beaten thanks to goals from Willian and Manor Soloman. It was the first time the team tasted defeat in the Premier League in 2023.
Forest didn’t play particularly well during the clash. It’s fair to say, however, that Cooper’s plans completely unravelled after just six minutes.
The head coach was forced into not one but two substitutions; with Scott McKenna and Willy Boly both going off injured with hamstring problems.
Felipe and Joe Worrall entered the action, which was far from the ideal scenario. The pair did okay but McKenna and in particular Boly have been brilliant of late.
The double substitution was a truly bizarre situation and it’s now officially the earliest that a team has been forced into a double substitution in Premier League history.
It’s not clear when the earliest was before Saturday. Still, given the injury problems that Forest have faced this season, it’s no surprise that the Reds now hold such a bizarre record.
Forest made Premier League history at Fulham
Injuries are, of course, part and parcel of football. But, something isn’t quite right at Forest and right now, you’d make an exceptionally good XI of players unavailable to Cooper.
It must be driving the Forest head coach mad. Cooper has rarely been able to call upon his best XI during 2022/23 and something seems amiss with the strength and conditioning at the club.
The Reds have the thankless task of playing Manchester City next weekend. After that, they face another huge game on their travels against West Ham at the London Stadium.
McKenna and Boly will hope to back quickly. If Forest have any desire to stay up this season they will have to hope for some better fortune on the injury front as the season reaches a climax.