‘He’s on fire’ – Nottingham Forest fans thrilled by starter with 92% pass completion vs Malmo
Nottingham Forest supporters were thrilled with Arnaud Kalimuendo in their 3-0 win against Malmo in the Europa League on 27 November.
Prior to the match, focus was on Morgan Gibbs-White’s injury-induced absence from the Nottingham Forest team against the Swedish outfit.
Returning to form in recent weeks, Gibbs-White will be looking to impress England manager Thomas Tuchel after being left out of the latest Three Lions squad.
Sean Dyche‘s side certainly coped without the ex-Wolves man as Kalimuendo put in an excellent display for the Garibaldi.
Arnaud Kalimuendo scores first goal for Nottingham Forest as ‘palpable relief’ evident
Kalimuendo is one of Nottingham Forest’s most expensive signings ever after he joined from Stade Rennes in the summer.
Yet, the Frenchman has struggled since arriving at the City Ground and hadn’t scored in nine appearances prior to grabbing his first goal against Malmo.
The 23-year-old led the line for Dyche’s side and was an absolute menace, peppering the Swedish outfit’s goal with four shots.
| Selected stats vs Malmo (27 November) | Arnaud Kalimuendo |
| Minutes played | 66 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Shots (on target) | 4 (2) |
| Completed passes (%) | 11/12 (92%) |
| Expected goals (xG) | 0.31xG |
Moreover, the number 15 was careful with the ball, completing 11 of his 12 passes with a 92 per cent accuracy rate, losing possession on just five occasions.
The striker was taken off on the 66th minute to an ovation from the home crowd, who were thoroughly pleased to see their big money signing get a much needed confidence boost.
Forest fans were very happy for the ex-PSG starlet, with one supporter saying: “Absolutely brilliant performance, Kalimuendo is on fire!” with another adding: “So happy for Kalimuendo. Seeing someone that’s struggled to get a run of form celebrate with genuine happiness is what you love to see.”