Taiwo Awoniyi absent as Nottingham Forest coach laments defeat to Everton

Nigeria’s Taiwo Awoniyi was absent as Nottingham Forest slipped to a one nil defeat against Everton courtesy of Dwight McNeil’s clinical strike.

The absence of the Super Eagles’ striker was felt as the club struggled to break the Everton side that was pushing to secure a win since they had 10 Premier League points deducted.

The win also guided Sean Dyche’s team off the bottom of the table after Burnley’s 5-0 win over Sheffield United earlier.

Speaking after the game, Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper, expressed disappointment following the defeat to Everton.

He said, “Of course I’m disappointed. It’s far from the result that we wanted. We conceded a goal off something that we talked about a lot in the week – balls into the box, second and third phases and staying with men.

“The penalty that was given against us last week – if that was a penalty I think the one today is [for a shirt-pull by Abdoulaye Doucoure]. It is a penalty.

“I hope it gets analysed. It needs to be. If we have a look at the Chris Wood one last week – it’s why referees are getting a load of stick.

“When we have created chances, we’ve not hit the target. The goal that they’ve scored is an excellent finish and very clinical. I’m frustrated to say the least.

“I thought we actually started the game better than Everton. We did a lot of talking about controlling the game. You have to get the ball and try and get a little bit of control.”

On fan criticism, said “Our support is incredible. I have no problem with anything that our supporters feel because it comes from wanting to support us as best they can. We’ve lost two games back to back but we have to own it, not shy away from it.

“We have to try and put things right but there will be no deflecting.”