Nottingham Forest ratings - one man gets 7/10 but others struggle in cup defeat

The Reds were out for revenge after losing 1-0 to the same opposition in Saturday’s Premier League opener. With that in mind, they made a bright start to this second round tie on the banks of the Trent.

Ola Aina tested James Trafford early on when he slipped while attempting a cross and inadvertently almost found the back of the net. Igor Jesus went even closer a few minutes later with a header which was cleared off the line.

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Leeds grew into the game, though, and fired a warning shot through Sean Longstaff with little more than 20 minutes gone. Forest responded and Chris Wood really should have opened the scoring on the half-hour but was thwarted by a last-ditch Joe Rodon tackle.

As was the case at the weekend, there was little to choose between the two sides. Daniel James and Lucas Nmecha tried their luck for the visitors but it was goalless at the break.

It didn’t take long for Leeds to correct that after the restart. Forest gifted them possession and they charged goalwards, with Daniel James the man to break the deadlock.

Wood and Nicolas Dominguez had opportunities to get the Reds on level terms but could not beat Trafford. They were left to rue those chances when James Justin scrambled the ball home to double the visitors’ advantage and kill the game off with 10 minutes to go. Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the City Ground…

Matz Sels: Won’t be happy at Leeds putting three past him in the space of a few days. Not a great deal he could do about these ones but there is certainly work to be done at the back for Forest. Rating: 6/10

Ousmane Diomande: Didn’t look entirely fit or match sharp, as Glasner suggested was the case when he was an unused substitute at the weekend. Seems like it will take a bit of time for him to bed in. Rating: 5.5/10

Nikola Milenkovic: Forest could do with getting a settled back line in place as they look to put this start to the season behind them. The Serbian was at the centre of the defence once again but couldn’t exert his authority on proceedings. Rating: 6/10

Jair Cunha: Switched sides from Saturday, to the right of the defence. Looked somewhat uncomfortable and was a bit careless with the ball at times, with Forest too exposed down that flank. Rating: 5/10

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To get it, it's a simple one-two punch.

Ola Aina: When he had James Trafford scrambling with a cross that became a shot early on, it looked as though the Reds would be in for a positive night. Didn’t transpire, unfortunately, and the hosts looked somewhat shaky at the back. Rating: 6/10

Xaver Schlager: Made an encouraging start on his full debut but found the going tougher as the match went on. Just as on Saturday, the hosts couldn’t get a proper grip on the midfield - despite having a different pairing in place. Rating: 5.5/10

Nicolas Dominguez: Effort couldn’t be faulted and he tested Trafford in the closing stages. The middle of the pitch is an area Glasner needs to sort out, though, as Leeds had it far too easy at times. Rating: 6/10

Igor Jesus: Header cleared off the line in the opening minutes was about as good as it got for the Brazilian. Glasner needs to figure out how to get Forest clicking going forward, although incoming transfer reinforcements might help with that. Rating: 5/10

Arnaud Kalimuendo: A positive on an otherwise frustrating night. A big opportunity for the Frenchman, given Glasner said last week he will be staying put after impressing in pre-season - and it was one he took. Played well. Rating: 7/10

Chris Wood: Really ought to have taken one of his chances - and he would surely have backed himself to do so. Appears it will take time for the New Zealander to find his sharpness in front of goal. Rating: 5/10

Murillo (for Diomande, 60mins): Made an impact soon after coming on with a lovely ball to tee up Dominguez. A few more of them will be needed this season. Rating: 6/10

Callum Hudson-Odoi (for Kalimuendo, 60mins): Will no doubt take time for the winger to get up to speed after his recent injury lay-off. Seemed a bit rusty with some of his passing. Rating: 6/10

Dan Ndoye (for Jesus, 60mins): Difficult to make an impact as it was already an uphill battle for the hosts when the Switzerland international came on. Improvement required all round for the Reds. Rating: 6/10

Luca Netz (for Aina, 61mins): Once again looked bright when he entered the fray. Must be pushing for a start as he has shown some positive signs. Rating: 6/10

Omari Hutchinson (for Williams, 79mins): Not a great deal the winger could do to turn the game around during his time on the pitch. It was all over with by then. Rating: 6/10

Subs not used: John, Sangare, McAtee, Abbott.

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