Brazilian forward Igor Jesus delivered a standout performance as Nottingham Forest secured a 2-2 draw against Real Betis in their UEFA Europa League opener. Starting ahead of regular striker Chris Wood, the 24-year-old seized his chance with two well-taken goals, earning praise from TNT Sports pundits Joe Cole and Michail Antonio.
Antonio believes Wood now faces serious pressure for his starting place.
“He looked like a real threat,” said former England international Antonio about Jesus on TNT Sports. “His movement, his hold-up play, he seems big and strong. I feel like he is definitely a quality signing and Chris Wood has to watch his back. Two goals against Swansea, two today against a very good Betis, it shows he has the ability to play. I feel he might have got taken off after 63 minutes to rest him and play at the weekend, but I am now thinking he might get the start because performances get you starts, and he has been performing.”
Signed from Botafogo in the summer, Jesus now boasts four goals in his last two starts. Despite this hot streak, he is still waiting for his first Premier League start, with 33-year-old Wood continuing to lead the line.
Cole: Competition Will Push Nottingham Forest Attackers
Joe Cole believes the competition for the No. 9 role could elevate both players’ performances.
“You have to respect what Wood has done the last few years and he is the No. 9,” he said. “I would probably go with Wood at the weekend but then you know tonight you have put a rocket up him. When you are at a club and you have that competition it can go one of two ways: you can fear it or you can thrive off it and push each other. If they get two strikers at it they will be alright.”
Forest will look to build momentum in two upcoming home fixtures — hosting Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday before taking on Midtjylland in Europe next Thursday.
Cole Tips Anderson for England Stardom
Midfielder Elliot Anderson was another standout performer, impressing with his energy, physicality, and technical quality. Cole even likened him to a legendary England midfielder.
“He was brilliant, particularly in the first half. I have been so impressed with this kid. I watched him play with England Under-21s and he gets better and better. Some of the moves he was doing were unbelievable. His power is like [Steven] Gerrard power. I think he plays for England at the World Cup, and Forest fans won’t thank me for saying this, but he’s not at this club for a long time. I think he is that good.”
The 22-year-old recently earned his first senior England cap in a win over Andorra and featured again in a dominant 5-0 victory in Serbia.
“He is a winner,” added Cole. “I can tell there is a belief in him the way he snaps into tackles. As a player I would want Elliott Anderson in a team next to me and I think Thomas Tuchel has seen that and he is in pole position. If he keeps playing like tonight and on this trajectory the sky is the limit for the kid.”
Postecoglou Pleased with Performance Despite Winless Run
Manager Ange Postecoglou remains without a victory after four matches in charge, but he was encouraged by the performance and attitude shown against Betis.
“I thought our football was outstanding at times in the first half. The only thing I could fault is we didn’t put the game to bed. We should have finished them off in the first half. Second half we sat off a bit and had to defend. But I never really felt threatened by it and we had our moments where, with a bit of calm and composure, we could have got our third goal. There won’t be many teams that come here and dominate like the way we did in that period. We just needed a third goal. I am just disappointed the players and supporters don’t get the rewards for our efforts. They have to keep their heads up because there’s plenty to be positive about and the wins will come if we keep playing football like that.”
With Jesus hitting form and Anderson rapidly developing, Nottingham Forest appear ready to challenge on multiple fronts as their UEFA Europa League campaign gathers momentum.
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