Nottingham Forest's Moussa Niakhate
Nottingham Forest fans were left fuming with the performance of Moussa Niakhate in the 2-1 defeat against Newcastle United on Friday night.
The Lowdown: Gutting defeat
Forest took the lead in the first half through Emmanuel Dennis, however stoppage-time goals from Alexander Isak in both the first and second half meant that the visitors took all three points.
It appeared as though the spoils were going to be shared as the game entered its dying embers, but a blatant handball handed the Magpies the perfect opportunity to win the match, and Isak made no mistake from the spot.
The Latest: Forest fans react
Taking to Twitter after the awful mistake from the defender, Forest fans expressed their frustration.
They said:
“What’s Niakhate doing putting his hand up there? Thrown away a good point. Brainless!” – @WPacey_89
“What a joke Niakhate is for that. Absolute clown. Absolutely raging.” – @joshthutc
“I don’t want Worrall or Niakhate in team. Bring back Boly from dead.” – @hannahforest
“Niakhate has just cost us a valuable point.” – @COYR26
“Clueless from Niakhate. Very much played like someone who’s not played since August.” – @TomJacobs93
“You all wanted Niakhate and you’ve got him…not ready for a game of that standard.” – @melly783
“Just seen that penalty back. Niakhate let us all and himself down there. Stupid Sunday league error. We could of fluked a point without that.” – @Rich_NFFC
“We almost had a point. Stupid by Niakhate.” – @missTyped
“Niakhate is not good enough.” – @SimonThomason4
The Verdict: Very poor mistake
It was a very poor mistake from the 27-year-old, however it must be noted that it was his first game back after a very long injury layoff, and his performances should only get better over the coming weeks.
Steve Cooper‘s side are not in action until the beginning of April as a result of the international break, meaning the centre-back has time to get back up to match speed, with a view to putting in a much-improved performance against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the first game back.
The handball aside, there were some promising signs from the Senegalese colossus, displaying his passing range by completing all four of the long balls that he attempted, as well as winning four aerial duels.
However, Niakhate’s very poor decision ultimately ended up costing his side what could be an important point at the end of the season, given just how close the Premier League relegation battle is at present.
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