Stuart Pearce hits at Nuno Espirito Santo for missing a trick with £15m Nottingham Forest star vs Manchester City, he will have ‘regrets’
Nottingham Forest’s hopes of reaching their first FA Cup final in over three decades came to an end on Sunday, as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City at Wembley Stadium. It was a spirited effort from the Reds, but ultimately, they couldn’t overcome the reigning Premier League champions in a high-stakes encounter that saw them narrowly miss out on history.
First-half goals from Rico Lewis and Josko Gvardiol were enough to seal City’s place in the final, but Forest didn’t go down without a fight. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo saw his side battle valiantly in the second half, throwing everything forward in an attempt to mount a comeback. Their efforts were nearly rewarded when Morgan Gibbs-White – a player reportedly admired by Manchester City – struck the woodwork not once, but twice. Chances also fell to Taiwo Awoniyi and Anthony Elanga, but the clinical edge needed to turn the game around just wasn’t there.
The result means Forest’s wait for a return to the FA Cup final – last reached in 1991 – will continue. But while the Wembley dream may be over for now, the season is far from finished. With five games remaining in the Premier League, Forest remain firmly in contention for an improbable spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League – a remarkable target that few would have predicted at the start of the campaign.
Despite the disappointment of defeat, there is plenty for Forest to take heart from. Their second-half performance against one of Europe’s elite sides showed resilience and ambition. Nuno and his players will be hoping that the loss doesn’t derail their momentum or dent their confidence heading into the crucial final stretch of the season.
Stuart Pearce Reflects on Selection Decisions and Elanga’s Omission
Former Forest manager and club legend Stuart Pearce weighed in on the match during his appearance on TalkSPORT, expressing some sympathy for Nuno but also pointing out areas of potential regret. Chief among them was the decision to start 18-year-old Zach Abbott at right-back – a bold move that marked his first FA Cup appearance for the senior team.
More surprisingly, Anthony Elanga, the £15 million summer signing from Manchester United, was left on the bench and only introduced at halftime. Given his explosive pace and ability to stretch defences, many were surprised by his omission from the starting XI. Pearce speculated that this might be a decision Nuno looks back on with a tinge of regret.
“When the dust settles, I think Forest will reflect on a few decisions,” Pearce said. “Elanga not starting is certainly one. Even tactically, I think some players were out of position – Morgan Gibbs-White on the right, Anderson on the left – and it just wasn’t the Forest we’ve come to expect in recent weeks. The early goal really seemed to unsettle them.”
There’s speculation that Elanga’s reduced role may have been a precaution due to a minor injury he’s been carrying in recent weeks. However, most expected him to be fit and ready for such a high-profile game. It’s possible that Nuno had one eye on Forest’s next Premier League fixture against Brentford and decided to manage the winger’s minutes carefully.
Focus Shifts to Champions League Qualification Battle
With the FA Cup now behind them, Forest must quickly refocus their attention on what could be an even greater prize – qualification for the Champions League. It would be a truly sensational achievement for the City Ground outfit, and Elanga is expected to play a key role in that pursuit.
Now reportedly back to full fitness, Elanga’s blistering pace, direct running, and eye for goal will be vital in the remaining matches. Forest fans will hope to see him start from the opening whistle against Brentford and provide the attacking spark they need to push for a top-four finish.
There are five games left, five chances to write a new chapter in Forest’s storied history. The team may have stumbled at Wembley, but the biggest dream of all – mixing it with Europe’s elite – is still alive. And with players like Elanga and Gibbs-White firing on all cylinders, Forest could yet finish the season in unforgettable fashion.