Chelsea, Liverpool aces react as Neco Williams ‘gutted’ after Nottingham Forest win
Neco Williams gained attention on social media for his performance as Nottingham Forest defeated Brighton in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Despite seven goals being scored in the last meeting between the two Premier League sides, Fabian Hurzeler and Nuno Espirito Santo were deadlocked after normal time and extra time.
Joao Pedro was ready to break Forest hearts in the final moments of extra time, only for his goal to be quickly ruled out, with penalties needed for the Reds to seal a spot in the semi-finals on Saturday, 29 March.
Ryan Yates scored the eventual winning spot-kick at the Amex Stadium, blasting his effort past Bayern Munich-linked Bart Verbruggen, sprinting down the opposite end to celebrate with the travelling fans.
Neco Williams set to miss FA Cup semi-final after Nottingham Forest victory
Taking to Instagram [30 March], Williams wrote: “See you all at Wembley. Although, I’m absolutely gutted to be missing out due to suspension,” with a facepalm emoji.
He continued: “Let’s keep enjoying this ride together,” with a love heart emoji, a post which gained the attention of teammates and the likes of Chelsea’s Tosin Adarabioyo and Liverpool’s Conor Bradley.
Taiwo Awoniyi replied: “What a player,” with three love hearts, while Morgan Gibbs-White simply commented with a crab emoji and Ryan Yates with love heart eyes.
Nuno Espirito Santo to bring FA Cup trophy back to The City Ground
Football Insider verdict
With Forest trying to tie Espirito Santo down to a new contract, something exciting is building at The City Ground, and advancing to the FA Cup semi-finals could just be the start.
The Reds have already beaten Pep Guardiola‘s Man City side once this season, and having now set up a clash with them at Wembley Stadium, the former Tottenham man will be showcasing exactly why he needs to remain with the club.
| Neco Williams v Brighton | Stats, as per FotMob |
| Minutes played | 120 |
| Passing accuracy | 80% (35/44) |
| Chances created | 2 |
| Successful dribbles | 67% (2/3) |
| Tackles won | 75% (3/4) |
| Ground duels won | 57% (8/14) |
That is bound to be much harder with Williams’ absence, with the Welshman experiencing his best-ever campaign in club colours, but Alex Moreno will take the opportunity by the scruff of the neck at Wembley.
Espirito Santo was seriously questioned by Wayne Rooney for leaving Callum Hudson-Odoi and Anthony Elanga on the bench for the quarter-final, and given their impacts, he is unlikely to make the same mistake.
With Forest still fighting for a top-four finish in the Premier League, it is important to find a balance between resting players and getting the best starting XI out there.
Supporters are desperate for silverware, though.