Nottingham Forest suffer ‘really disappointing’ news as Troy Deeney admits ‘crazy’ struggle
Troy Deeney has named Ibrahim Sangare in his team of the week after Sunday’s victory over Tottenham.
Nottingham Forest smashed Tottenham 3-0 at the City Ground, with Sangare joining Callum Hudson-Odoi on the scoresheet.
The midfielder bagged assists for both of the winger’s goals, before claiming one himself with a brilliant strike from range.
Theo Walcott was among the plaudits for Sangare after his performance against Tottenham, with the Ivory Coast international enjoying a stunning display.
Thomas Frank is under huge pressure at Tottenham following the defeat, with replacements already being mooted at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Troy Deeney reveals disappointment about ‘thriving’ Ibrahim Sangare
Sangare joined Nottingham Forest in 2023 but struggled initially to adapt, with last season seeing the midfielder chained to the injury table for much of the campaign.
In recent weeks, however, the 28-year-old has proven key for Dyche‘s team, with his standout performance undoubtedly coming against Tottenham on Sunday.
| Ibrahim Sangare | vs Tottenham |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Tackles | 2 |
| Recoveries | 6 |
| Duels won | 4/10 |
The midfielder was relentless in the press, stealing the ball from Archie Gray to set up Hudson-Odoi’s opening goal. What he would do in 11 minutes from time would be the highlight of the game, however.
Walking onto the ball, Sangare smashed towards goal, with Guglielmo Vicario forced to watch as the strike flew past him before deflecting in off the post.
Deeney was full of praise for the former PSV man in his team of the week selection for BBC Sport on Tuesday, but highlighted a disappointing facet for Nottingham Forest.
“I was struggling to put Forest players in, which is weird when they won 3-0, but I thought Spurs were that bad,” he wrote.
“So bad you couldn’t turn around and say ‘these were great players’. But Sangare with a goal and two assists has had a great day for a holding midfielder.
“He’s thriving under Sean Dyche. They lose him now for the Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast, which is really disappointing.”
Deeney highlights other ‘excellent’ Nottingham Forest performance
It was the Sangare and Hudson-Odoi show at the City Ground on Sunday, with both players claiming three goal contributions each.
The former Chelsea winger tapped in Sangare’s pass for the first, and looped a wicked ball over the top of Vicario for the second.
Deeney waxed lyrical about Hudson-Odoi, who he also named in his team of the week. “He’s got all the ability and potential to be whatever he wants,” the former Premier League striker wrote.
“We need to see more games like this – goals and assists. I thought he was excellent on the day and Spurs couldn’t live with him – he ran them ragged.”
Hudson-Odoi has always been talented, and Dyche will hope that the winger can show it more often, as he did on Sunday.