Hailed For Netting Against Former Club
Very few people anticipated that the bottom team heading into this weekend’s Premier League fixtures, Nottingham Forest would cause an upset by beating Liverpool.
Taiwo Awoniyi seems to be handling his Premier League home matches very well, with the Nigeria international getting on the score sheet in his third consecutive start at the City Ground – becoming the first Nottingham Forest player to do so in the process.
Nine minutes into the second half, Awoniyi netted the game-winning goal after winning a free kick near the halfway line.
The 25-year-old was the quickest to react and tucked away the rebound after his initial effort hit the post.
Awoniyi was on the books of Liverpool for six years but could not make his debut for the Merseyside giants due to a work permit obstacle, leading to loan spells at six different clubs.
He spent time training with Liverpool’s first team under the guidance of manager Jurgen Klopp during pre-season preparations before ending his association with the club in the summer of 2021.
The German football tactician has admitted that he’s delighted with the progress of his former pupil but at the same time he was not too pleased Awoniyi was on target against his side.
Asked to share his thoughts on Awoniyi scoring against his former club, Klopp told BBC Match of the Day: “He had a sensational development. He has arrived where he belongs and I am happy for him, but not today so much.”
Following their win over Liverpool, Nottingham Forest are off the foot of the Premier League table but have played a game more that Leicester City.
