Former Nottingham Forest target Jamaal Lascelles captained his Newcastle United side to a huge upset as they defeated treble-winners Manchester City in the Carabao Cup last night.
The 29-year-old, who was a target for Steve Cooper’s side last season, kept a clean sheet as he helped dump Pep Guardiola’s side out at the first hurdle.
Last night was the first time since March that the club captain played a full 90 minutes, ironically that too was against City at the Etihad as they fell to a 2-0 defeat.
The defender left the City Ground alongside Karl Darlow for a combined £7 million deal back in 2014, with Lascelles being a key first-team member until the Saudi takeover last season.
Jamaal Lascelles captains Newcastle to huge upset
Although the 29-year-old hasn’t featured as much as he would’ve liked, last night was a true captain’s performance.
His side were under the cosh for the entirety of the first half, before scoring early on in the second 45 – before controlling the game and keeping City at arm’s length.
The defender made 49 passes at a completion rate of 88% – with two of the 49 being key passes into the final third of the pitch.
Former Forest man Lascelles also made seven clearances, with one interception and three recoveries – helping keep the Premier League champions out.
Despite his recent time on the sidelines, the 29-year-old returned seamlessly to the backline, keeping out some of the best talent in world football with the likes of Jack Grealish, Julian Alvarez and Phil Foden.
He may no longer be a regular starter for the Magpies, but his attitude is nothing short of sensational.
Receive a digest of our best Nottingham Forest content each week direct to your mailbox
