Carlos Miguel slammed for ‘absolute howler’ as Exeter stun Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Carlos Miguel committed an “absolute howler” to gift Exeter City a shock lead, according to Michael Dawson.
Exeter went into their FA Cup fourth round tie against Nottingham Forest on 11 February as the lowest ranked side remaining in the competition.
Gary Caldwell’s side currently sit 18th in League One, only five points above the relegation zone.
However, the Grecians came flying out of the blocks and stunned Champions League-chasing Forest with an early goal from striker Josh Magennis.
A cross was whipped into the box, and the Northern Irish striker was on hand to get to the rebound after Miguel tried to catch the ball, and dropped it into Magennis’ path.
The goal was not without its controversy, as the former Wigan striker could have strayed offside. The FA’s decision to not use VAR in the fourth round of the FA Cup has been controversial, after a number of incorrect decisions from referee’s during the weekends games.
Former Tottenham defender, Dawson, said on Sky Sports News (8.06pm): “Very, very good start from Exeter, down this left-hand side Harper does brilliant. It then ends up down the right-hand side. I’m not too sure what the keeper’s doing here.
“Exeter do not care. It ends up coming back into the box, Forest defend it well. It then goes out to the right-hand side, I think it’s Mitchell, he just hangs the ball up.
“Carlos Miguel, I’m not too sure what you’re doing, I could have caught this. He doesn’t, he drops it, is anyone alive? Yes he is Josh Magennis taps it in from two yards out.
“Absolute howler from Carlos Miguel, he hasn’t even touched the ball. He’s touched it once, dropped it, second time he’s getting the ball out of the back of the net.”
Exeter hopes of a giant-killing quelled by Nottingham Forest goals
Football Insider Verdict
While Exeter made the most of Miguel’s poor handling, Forest were quick to quieten any hopes of a giant-killing, as Paraguayan winger Ramon Sosa equalised in the 15th minute.
Forest would then take the lead in the 37th minute, through Taiwo Awoniyi, as Ibrahim Sangare registered his second assist of the match.
The Grecians have drawn one and lost four of their last five games, and Exeter have struggled since selling star player Millenic Alli to Luton.
Magennis has stepped up in place Exeter’s former star player, having scored four goals in four FA Cup matches for the Grecians this season.
Nottingham Forest hoping for first FA Cup win since 1959
Forest will be looking to ride the wave of their magnificent form this season to a major trophy this century.
The Garibaldis are currently on track to qualify for the Champions League this season, sitting third in the Premier League on 47 points.
It has brought back memories for some Forest fans of the success they had under Brian Clough, winning the First Division, and two European Cup’s under the legendary English manager.
The Tricky Trees have found success in picking up other club’s unwanted players, turning Chris Wood, Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi from squad players into Premier League stars.
The form captured under Nuno Espirito Santo was encapsulated in their stunning 7-0 win over Brighton on 1 February, as Chris Wood scored a hattrick and Morgan Gibbs-White ran the show in the midfield.
However, having been handed a points deduction last season, after failing profit and sustainability rules (PSR), Forest will be forced to sell some of their players in the summer, in the hopes that they can hang on to players like Murillo.