Ian Wright and Clinton Morrison are in full agreement about Nuno Espirito Santo’s costly ‘mistake’ vs Man City

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Ian Wright and Clinton Morrison believe Nuno Espirito Santo may be partly to blame for Nottingham Forest’s FA Cup semi-final defeat against Man City.

The Forest boss surprised a lot of fans with his selection at Wembley, with 18-year-old Zach Abbott starting at right-back.

That decision would ultimately pay off for the Portuguese manager, as Abbott impressed against the Citizens.

Not all of Nuno’s decisions worked, however, with one selection in particular earning criticism from fans and pundits.

• READ MORE: Zach Abbott shines on big stage but there’s two 4/10 performances – Nottingham Forest player ratings vs Man City

Ian Wright criticises Anthony Elanga decision

Despite impressing in recent weeks, Espirito Santo would decide against starting Anthony Elanga against City.

That decision, though, would come back to bite the Forest boss, with his side failing to muster a single shot during the first half.

The Swedish international was eventually introduced at half-time, instantly causing problems for the City backline and nearly scoring in the process.

Forest fans believed Elanga should have started, and their claims have since been backed up by Ian Wright.

Speaking post-match on ITV, the former Premier League striker claims Nuno got it wrong at Wembley with his attacking selection.

“I think the Elanga omission is a mistake, especially when you look at his contribution in the second half. Instantly, Callum Hudson-Odoi was able to break down his side and play it across with Elanga’s pace running into the box.

“That’s what they needed all day to frighten City and it didn’t happen in the first half.”

Clinton Morrison believes Elanga should have started

Wright hasn’t been the only pundit to shine a light on Nuno’s Wembley selections, with EFL veteran Clinton Morrison also criticising Elanga’s snub.

Whilst covering the game for BBC Sport, Morrison claimed Forest lacked forward runners in the first-half.

“Nuno Santo’s starting team isn’t right. Forest need runners because City have such a high line in defence.

“Anthony Elanga is one of the quickest in the Premier League and he should have started. That is a change that he [Nuno] needs to make at half time.”

With Forest’s hopes of securing FA Cup glory now shattered, Espirito Santo may likely look back on the semi-final with regret in years to come, as Elanga certainly will.