Nottingham Forest claimed a valuable draw against Arsenal as Sean Dyche’s team finally showed some steely determination.
The league leaders couldn’t really muster up too many clear cut chances against Forest’s rearguard, with Matz Sels producing the save of the match from Bukayo Saka’s goalbound header.
The Reds now face Braga, looking to maintain a winning run in the Europa League with just two group games remaining in that competition.
On a night where there were a number of top performing players, Dyche picked out one player in particular for praise against the Gunners.
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Sean Dyche impressed with Ibrahim Sangare
It was great for Forest to have Sangare back on the pitch against Arsenal following his exploits at the African Cup of Nations.
The Reds need to ensure they build on this result and start keeping a few more clean sheets as the season progresses towards the business end.
Sangare came in for praise from his manager after the contest against Arsenal and it was absolutely superb to see the Ivorian strutting his stuff against a top team.
He said in his press conference: “There were a lot of good performances today but amongst others, Ibrahim Sangare gives us that little bit of solid feel, he knows what position to be in and allows Elliot to be a little bit freer and looser.”
How good was it to have Ibrahim Sangare back vs Arsenal?
Sangare can help Forest avoid relegation this season
With West Ham claiming a big win earlier in the day against Tottenham, it was vital that Forest put in a positive performance against the table toppers.
The Reds need to make sure they are getting Sangare on the pitch as frequently as possible, with the team looking far more resolute when he plays in midfield.
Sangare has taken some time to get up to scratch on Trentside, but right now, he’s one of the team’s top performers, and his absence has been sorely felt.
Forest can’t dwell on the poor results of old and now that Sangare is back, the Reds can look forward to more positive performances with the £30 million man absolutely the heartbeat of everything Dyche is trying to do at the City Ground.
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