‘Garbage’ – Nottingham Forest fans fume at starter after what he did vs Aston Villa
Nottingham Forest fans have ripped into Dilane Bakwa after they felt he was at fault for the second goal they conceded in their 3-1 loss to Aston Villa.
Bakwa notched six goals and eight assists in 30 league appearances last term for Strasbourg as they finished seventh in Ligue 1.
Forest registered their interest in Bakwa in August, and they beat Leeds to his services on deadline day as he moved to the City Ground for around £30million.
The 23-year-old has struggled to make any sort of impact for the Reds so far this season, with Sean Dyche already the third manager he has played under in the four months since his move.
Dyche handed Bakwa his third league start for Forest away at Aston Villa on Saturday, and he looked out of his depth throughout, with many fans blaming him for the goal that effectively sealed their defeat.
Bakwa lost the ball for Villa’s second goal and missed a great chance to score
Bakwa was one of many Forest players who struggled to get into the game in the first half, as Villa boasted 78 per cent of the possession and went 1-0 up just before the break through Ollie Watkins.
Dyche had clearly urged his side to do more at half-time as they looked more lively in the opening stages of the second period, but Bakwa’s mistake sealed their fate in the 49th minute.
The Frenchman tried to dribble his way out of danger on the right flank, but was caught out by Youri Tielemans as he stepped in to intercept the ball and set Villa up to attack.
It was quickly worked wide to Matty Cash, and his cross was turned home by John McGinn as Bakwa was left embarrassed.
His struggles continued just minutes later as he wasted a fantastic chance to score by heading Omari Hutchinson’s cross wide from close range, when it seemed easier to hit the target.
Forest fans fumed at Bakwa for his two second-half mishaps
Bakwa has put in numerous poor showings for Forest now, and he was substituted off in the 69th minute at Villa Park with just two touches in the hosts’ area, two fouls committed and only two of his five ground duels won all game.
Many Reds fans took to X during and after the clash to express their frustrations with his performance, as one said: “Bakwa, a professional footballer who doesn’t play to the whistle- genuinely baffled.”
In the wake of his mistake that led to Villa’s second, another added: “Bakwa is an absolute defensive liability.”
While one fan said: “Bakwa has been great….for Villa.