The Nottingham Forest player is capable of hitting a spectacular landmark and propelling the Reds to new heights.
Latest Nottingham Forest news as Steve Cooper’s Reds reflect on a successful start to the Premier League season Anthony Elanga nodded to Taiwo Awoniyi as Chelsea fans in the stands behind shook their heads.
It was a gaze of acknowledgment and admiration. Elanga opened his Nottingham Forest account with a cool-as-you-like finish at Stamford Bridge. But his teammate deserved equal credit for what turned out to be the game-winning goal.
It’s no surprise that Awoniyi has been nominated for the Premier League Player of the Month award for August. Last Saturday’s assist was special in and of itself: a peach of a pass, elegantly played through Thiago Silva’s legs for Elanga to race on to.
That pass finished off a fantastic first month for the Reds striker. Although he did not score in the capital, it speaks something about his recent form that there was an expectation that he would convert a decent chance.
“We missed the chance of the first half, with T off the set-piece,” head coach Steve Cooper stated afterward. “He’s probably the guy we wanted it to fall to!”
For amusement, Awoniyi has started scoring goals. Finding the back of the net against Arsenal, Sheffield United, and Manchester United extended his scoring streak to seven games, resuming up where he left off last season. He was the first Forest player to accomplish this milestone in the Premier League.
A forward’s currency is usually goals. They are the criteria by which strikers are evaluated. But, as he demonstrated against Chelsea, Awoniyi’s game has much more to it.
Cooper smiled this month when asked if the Nigerian could reach the historic 20-goal mark this season. “That would be nice,” stated the Reds’ manager.
But if Awoniyi stays fit and injury-free, there’s no reason he can’t. Despite an extended absence, he scored in double figures last season.
He appears to be a better fit to be Forest’s leader this time around. He is undoubtedly one of the club’s most improved players over the last 12 months.
Cooper’s task is to discover the optimum formation and attacking formula to keep Awoniyi blazing. There is no shortage of forward danger with Elanga, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Callum Hudson-Odoi among the ranks.
Elanga arranged for Awoniyi to join Arsenal. The two appear to have a terrific rapport.
“He deserves all the credit he’s getting because of the work he puts in training – not many people see it – he scores a lot of goals in training,” Elanga remarked last month of his teammate. “When he scores in games, he deserves it.”
“It’s a pleasure to work with him because I feel like we have a good connection – I linked up with him for the goal against Arsenal in the first game.” He is someone who is always on the move – with or without the ball, inside or outside the box. He is continually looking for new methods to express himself. It’s a pleasure to play with him because he simplifies my job.”
Cooper’s task will be made easier if the front man continues to find the back of the net. Forest needed a slew of summer recruits to help them go to the next level, but the players who are already there will be crucial, particularly Awoniyi. Whether or not he wins this Premier League Player of the Month award, he has a good chance of winning a couple more.
