ALAN SHEARER RIPS INTO NOTTINGHAM FOREST STAR AFTER WOEFUL DISPLAY AGAINST CRYSTAL PALACE AT THE CITY GROUND
Alan Shearer launched a blistering critique of Taiwo Awoniyi after Nottingham Forest’s underwhelming performance against Crystal Palace at the City Ground, questioning the striker’s impact, sharpness, and overall contribution in a match Forest badly needed a leading figure.
Forest supporters arrived hopeful of a strong home display, but were instead left frustrated by a performance that lacked intensity and cutting edge in the final third. While the team struggled collectively, Shearer made it clear that Awoniyi, as Forest’s main attacking focal point, failed to deliver the presence and threat required at Premier League level.
Analyzing the game after the final whistle, Shearer was blunt in his assessment. “When you’re the number nine, everything revolves around you,” he said. “You have to hold the ball up, make runs that hurt defenders, and be a constant problem. Taiwo Awoniyi did none of that today.”
Shearer pointed out that Crystal Palace’s centre-backs were rarely tested, comfortably dealing with Forest’s long balls and crosses.
Awoniyi often found himself isolated, but Shearer insisted that top strikers must still find ways to influence games. “Even when service isn’t perfect, the best forwards make something happen,” he added. “Today, Palace had it far too easy.”
The former England captain was particularly critical of Awoniyi’s movement and link-up play, areas that have previously been strengths of his game.
Too often, Forest attacks broke down as the striker struggled to control the ball or bring teammates into play. “There were moments where Forest needed him to slow things down and bring others into the game,” Shearer explained. “Instead, possession was lost cheaply, and Palace were straight back on the front foot.”
Shearer also questioned Awoniyi’s physical presence, a key attribute that Forest rely on. “He’s a big, powerful striker,” Shearer said. “You expect defenders to know they’ve been in a battle. I didn’t see that today.
The Palace defenders looked comfortable, and that’s a damning sign for a centre-forward.”
The criticism echoed the mood among sections of the home crowd, who grew increasingly restless as Forest failed to turn promising moments into clear chances. Despite pushing forward late on, the lack of a cutting edge in attack summed up a frustrating afternoon.
However, Shearer was careful to stress that his comments were not a dismissal of Awoniyi’s quality, but a challenge. “He’s shown before that he can score goals in this league,” Shearer said. “But performances like this are nowhere near the standard required if Nottingham Forest want to move up the table.”
With pressure mounting and points at a premium, Shearer believes Forest need more from their key players. “This is where senior players earn their reputation,” he concluded. “Taiwo Awoniyi has to take responsibility, lead the line properly, and start delivering consistently. If he doesn’t, Forest will continue to struggle.”
For Awoniyi, the message is unmistakable. Improvement is not optional—it is essential.