Nottingham Forest ace Chris Wood sends message after Ipswich scare
Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood posted a message to fans on social media after scoring in the penalty shootout against Ipswich.
The talismanic New Zealand international was initially rested by manager Nuno Espirito Santo, but was introduced in the 82nd minute as the Tricky Trees went in search of a winner.
George Hirst opened the scoring for Ipswich in the 53rd minute, after being left completely unmarked in the Forest box, following a delivery from former West Ham defender Ben Johnson.
Ryan Yates made it 1-1 in the 68th minute, as Newcastle’s summer target Anthony Elanga whipped in a cross to pick out the midfielder.
Matz Sels could have done better for Hirst’s opener in the second-half, but he made no mistake when it came to Jack Taylor’s penalty, picking the correct corner and winning the tie for his side by saving the effort.
The Tricky Trees have never lost a penalty shootout in the FA Cup, and extended that fabulous run, setting up a tie with Brighton in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Chris Wood tells Nottingham Forest fans ‘let’s go’ after Ipswich win
Following the win, the former Burnley striker posted a photo on his Instagram story of himself celebrating with his teammates, captioned: “Quarter Finals let’s go Nottingham Forest”.
The Tricky Trees have never lost a penalty shootout in the FA Cup, and extended that fabulous run, setting up a tie with Brighton in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
| 2024/25 Premier League stats | Wood |
| Appearances | 27 |
| Starts | 26 |
| Goals | 18 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Minutes | 2,193 |
Wood has enjoyed a wonderful resurgence with the Garibaldi’s since joining from Newcastle in 2022, and is the Premier League’s fourth highest goal-scorer this season with 18 goals, behind only Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland and Liverpool target Alexander Isak.
The Kiwi striker has formed a delightful partnership with Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi this season, with Forest sat third in the Premier League table.
Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo deserves his plaudits
Football Insider Verdict
With Nottingham Forest preparing for Champions League football next year, and in an FA Cup quarter-final, the Garibaldis’ have completely exceeded expectations.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were docked four points last year, and were expected to be involved in another relegation battle this season.
However, the Portuguese manager has developed a direct style of play, leaning heavily into the strength’s of his players individually, rather than attempting to instil a specific footballing philosophy.
Elanga and Hudson-Odoi excel when driving at opposition fullbacks, and both players are excellent crossers of the ball, which has suited Wood, who stands at 6ft3in.
Behind him, Gibbs-White is a brilliant midfield technician, and the former Wolves man has an almost telepathic understanding of the sort of runs his wingers want to make.