“That’s what they needed all day to frighten City and it didn’t happen in the first half and was all due to Nuno RECKLESS decision”- Ian Wright Slams Nuno for Costly Mistake in FA Cup Defeat to Manchester City
Ian Wright and Clinton Morrison both believe Nuno Espirito Santo’s decisions may have played a role in Nottingham Forest’s FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester City.
The Forest boss caused a stir with his selection at Wembley, notably giving 18-year-old Zach Abbott a start at right-back. That choice ultimately paid off, as Abbott put in an impressive performance against the Citizens.
However, not all of Nuno’s decisions were successful, and one in particular attracted heavy criticism from both fans and pundits.
Ian Wright Slams Elanga’s Omission
Despite Anthony Elanga’s strong recent performances, Espirito Santo chose not to start him against City, a decision that would come back to haunt him. Forest struggled to make an impact in the first half, failing to register a single shot on goal.
Elanga was brought on at halftime, and his pace immediately caused problems for City’s defense. He came close to scoring, and many Forest supporters felt he should have started the match. Ian Wright agreed with this sentiment, criticizing Nuno’s tactical choice.
Speaking on ITV after the match, Wright said: “I think the decision to leave out Elanga was a mistake. You could see his impact straight away in the second half. Callum Hudson-Odoi broke down the wing and played a ball across, with Elanga’s pace running into the box. That’s exactly what Forest needed to trouble City, but it didn’t happen in the first half.”
Clinton Morrison Also Calls Out the Elanga Snub
Wright wasn’t the only pundit to question Nuno’s choices. Former EFL player Clinton Morrison, covering the game for BBC Sport, also criticized the lack of forward runners in the first half.
“Nuno’s starting lineup wasn’t right. Forest needed runners to exploit City’s high defensive line. Elanga is one of the quickest players in the Premier League, and he should’ve started. That’s a change Nuno should have made at halftime,” Morrison stated.
With Forest’s FA Cup dreams now dashed, Espirito Santo may look back on the semi-final with regret, especially over the decision to bench Elanga, whose contribution could have made a difference.
