Credit: Imago
Credit: Imago

Sean Dyche has ended summer signing's Nottingham Forest career after what he said vs Everton

Harri Burton

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

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Nottingham Forest's squad could be shaken up once again as Sean Dyche prepares for the January transfer window at the City Ground.

Forest lost 2-0 to Everton on Tuesday, 30 December, with goals coming from James Garner and Thierno Barry, leaving the Reds just one spot over the Premier League relegation zone.

Ahead of the game, David Moyes made a cry to The Friedkin Group for January reinforcements, and Dyche might be doing the same thing to Evangelos Marinakis if Forest are to survive this season.

With a total of 48 crosses attempted against the Toffees, it was clear what the tactic was from the outset. However, given that it was against James Tarkowski and Jake O'Brien, it completely flopped.

Sean Dyche baffles with his decisions vs Everton

There was a complete and utter lack of service to Igor Jesus, who was a nuisance against Man City, with the Brazilian losing 12 duels, the most of any player on the pitch.

He managed just 16 touches before being hooked for Taiwo Awoniyi on the hour mark, and, unsurprisingly, the 28-year-old had just as much trouble getting involved, even with fresh legs.

Despite Forest's total lack of chances, Dyche only felt the need to make three changes, and one of the players left on the bench has left supporters stumped.

Arnaud Kalimuendo playing for Nottingham Forest
Arnaud Kalimuendo failed to make it off the bench again. (Credit: Imago)

Some have suggested that something is going on behind the scenes with Arnaud Kalimuendo, and after the manager's post-match comments, many feel as though those concerns have been confirmed.

Nottingham Forest fans are concerned for Arnaud Kalimuendo

Speaking after the game, Dyche said: “We work with these players every day, it’s fair to say we get to see how they play with all the facts and stats. “There is a reason why we pick teams, of course.

"But it didn’t fire tonight, and we need more from all of them,” and a lot of the match-going fans believe this was a dig at Kalimuendo, who only has one minute of Premier League football in the last four games.

In his last two starts, however, both coming in the Europa League, the summer signing has two goals to his name, which only adds to the mystery of why he was not utilised against the Toffees.

Given his height, the former Rennes forward would have been perfect for the game plan. Now, supporters are bracing themselves for a very early exit in the 23-year-old's career.

The Frenchman has barely been given a chance, with just 13 appearances to his name since arriving, and he could now be first out the exit doors after Dyche's latest reveal.

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