“I was looking forward to playing them”- Awoniyi basking in euphoria of Nottingham Forest’s victory over Liverpool

The Tricky Trees were the underdogs going into the tie, but they gave a spirited display worthy of plaudits

Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniy has expressed excitement after he scored the winner for Nottingham Forest in their Premier League clash on Saturday.

Liverpool beat Manchester City 1-0 in their last Premier League outing, and they were huge favorites going into the tie against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

However, Jurgen Klopp’s side was a far cry from their usual feisty and fiery self. The Tricky Trees matched everything they brought to the table.

Nottingham Forest got their reward ten minutes after the break. Awoniyi capitalized on Liverpool’s lackluster defending and fired a rebound past a helpless Alisson.

Liverpool pushed hard for an equalizer, but Steve Cooper’s lads saw out the one-goal lead.

For Awoniyi, it was a special game for him, as his sojourn in Europe started in Liverpool. The 25-year-old joined Liverpool in 2015, but he failed to kick a ball for the club because he could not get a work permit.

Awoniyi had to go on seven different loan deals in three different countries before he eventually signed for Union Berlin permanently in 2021.

Speaking after his heroics at City Ground, the Nigerian shared his elation at scoring such a significant goal against his former club.

 

“I think this team we stick together, we’re a family, the fans are always with us, we just have to keep on going,” Awoniyi told BT Sport.

“I was looking forward to playing Liverpool because they signed me when I was 18 and it was an emotional game for me.

“For me, I think it’s a good game for my team, we had a plan to stay compact and in the end, we won, I’m very happy about it.”

 

Awoniyi’s goal ended Forest’s eight-game winless run and helped to ease the tension amongst the fans.

Next up for the Tricky Trees is a tricky fixture against Premier League leaders Arsenal.