Cooper praises Awoniyi for learning from his mistake

Cooper praises Awoniyi for learning from his mistake

Faruq Ibrahim 21:07 - 13.05.2023

Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper sang praises of Taiwo Awoniyi who he thought was brave to get on the end of chances against Chelsea.

Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper was full of praise for his on-form striker Taiwo Awoniyi after a brace helped them to a draw against Chelsea.

Awoniyi scored in either half of a 2-2 draw against the Blues at Stamford Bridge, keeping his side four points above the relegation zone. 

The match in brief 

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The Ilorin-born striker gave Steve Cooper's team the lead in the 13th minute by rising highest and heading past Mendy. Chelsea then went on to score two goals in the next two minutes to tie the score and take the lead thanks to Raheem Sterling's two goals. 

The 25-year-old, though, is not about to let his team lose without a fight, and he scores on an Orel Mangala cross to bring the score back to level and give them a crucial away point.  

What Cooper said 

The former Liverpool man missed some chances in the game against Brentford, which the manager thought he could have done better with. Following his brace, Cooper is happy he learned from his mistakes.

He thought Taiwo was brave in getting on the end of chances, and lauded his commitment to return to the team with goals after he suffered an injury that showed his roll.  

"He scored with his head as well which we were very pleased with that. We talked about it and there was a chance at Brentford that we thought he could have done better with so it was good that he got the two goals,” he said, per the BBC.

“Especially the first one, I think he showed good bravery. You always want your striker to score goals and we have goals in the team so really pleased for him. Don't forget he missed large parts of the second half of the season being injured. It shows his commitment to return to the team, play well and now get a few goals which is a real plus."

Meanwhile, although he is disappointed they failed to grab the maximum possible points, Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi was happy with his team's performance, which he said went according to plan.

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