Zach Abbott was definitely the surprise inclusion for Nottingham Forest in the Fa Cup semi-final.
Abbott was hoisted into the starting XI by Nuno Espirito Santo on the biggest stage – and boy did he perform.
Abbott was excellent throughout the 83 minutes he spent on the pitch, only departing due to an injury.
Nottingham Forest fans, and neutrals alike, were very excited by what they saw.
Nottingham Forest fans laud Zach Abbott
Forest fans flocked to social media to praise the youngster.
One begins: ‘Zach Abbott was really solid by the way, and dealt with Marmoush so well.’
Another puts: ‘Regardless of the result, Zach Abbott, what a bright future.’
‘Fair f—— play Zach Abbott,’ says another Forest supporter excitedly.
‘Really just not our day, The performance wasn’t bad just couldn’t finish today, but time to focus on the league What a performance from Zach Abbott today, bright future for him,’ another put.
One more adds: ‘Zach Abbott I thought has had a good game should hold his head up high.’
Abbott makes FA Cup history
At just 18 years and 349 days old, Abbott is the youngest player to start an FA Cup game at Wembley since Marcus Rashford (18y 203d) for Manchester United in the 2016 final (v Crystal Palace).
Despite the result, Forest can take a positive in the fact Abbott will be a star for years to come. To play at Wembley against Manchester City is no easy affair – and he handled it brilliantly.
Now, Nuno and Forest’s focus turns to the Premier League, where they can still obtain Champions League football. The FA Cup, will not be Forest’s in 2025.
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