Nottingham Forest weren’t at their all-firing best against Man City, and Stephen Warnock thinks he knows why.
Several Forest players flattered to deceive at Wembley, with the likes of Danilo earning criticism for his performance.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s setup has been blamed for the defeat, but there may have been another hidden reason for Forest’s lacklustre display.
Stephen Warnock believes Nottingham Forest looked nervous
Featuring in their first FA Cup semi-final since 1991, Forest are not used to games of such magnitude, and Stephen Warnock believes this may have been their stumbling block at Wembley.
Speaking on Sky Sports News, the former left-back claimed Forest were not themselves during the first half, something which would ultimately cost them on the day.
“I thought there was an element of we don’t want to throw away this early and don’t want to make mistakes, so we will sit in our shape. I think there was a nervousness about Nottingham Forest yesterday, worrying about the outcome of the game.
“Knowing they had the potential to get in the history books and get to an FA Cup final, trying to create their own history in this current squad. I just think the occasion was a little too much for them in the first half.
“Obviously, in the second half it was a completely different performance, it was almost as if the players and manager had gone in at half-time thinking that’s not us, that’s not our identity, and that’s not how we play.”
Warnock highlights Elanga impact versus Man City
Anthony Elanga’s Wembley omission has earned Espirito Santo criticism, with many left baffled at the reasoning behind dropping the Swede.
After a toothless first-half display, the speedy attacker would be called upon at half-time and would instantly showcase his talents, nearly scoring two minutes after coming on.
Warnock has since hailed Elanga’s impact off the bench, claiming he changed the game after replacing Danilo.
“It was almost as if the shackles were off in the second half, a little bit more. As Sue (Smith) said about the changes, Elanga changed the team completely. He brings a fear element to the opposition because of the pace that he has and an ability to drive the team up the pitch as well.”
Espirito Santo’s decision to bench Elanga will no doubt be one he regrets in years going forward.
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