“We blame no one” – Forest fall short as Leeds come from behind to sink Reds

The night at Elland Road couldn’t have started much better for the travelling Forest fans. Cooper’s side broke down the left and Emmanuel Dennis threaded a ball to the oncoming Orel Mangala who fired in his first for the club.

This is unfamiliar territory for Forest, and after taking the lead in the 12^th minute, it showed.

Despite some gallant defending from Felipe, who yet again looked a class above the rest, Forest allowed Leeds to maintain possession in their half, find spaces in midfield and score the equaliser eight minutes after going ahead.

Navas parried a decent Leeds effort straight into the path of the oncoming Jack Harrison, much to the delight of the onlooking Leeds fans.

From the moments Forest scored, Leeds United controlled the proceedings and turned over a Forest side only capable of 37% possession and the one shot on target.

Leeds have struggled throughout a turbulent season but dominated play in front of a passionate Yorkshire crowd and manage to take the lead in the dying moments of the first half, further compounding Forest’s lack of solidity and composure away from the City Ground.

Sinisterra was allowed too much space on the wing and tucked a right-footed curler past Navas after cutting inside.

This will confuse Forest fans no end: how can the same side that showed so much promise at home against Wolves fail to compete against a fellow relegation-threatened side away?

Ultimately, The Red’s away form remains a perennial issue and a hurdle they must overcome if they are to fight for their place in the top flight.

After taking the lead, Forest fans will feel that their side threw away another opportunity to take much needed points at this crucial stage of the season.

Steve Cooper did not shy away from the disappointing performance. Speaking to Colin Fray after the game he was frustrated with what he saw:

“From the moment of scoring to the half time whistle we were well short. No bravery on the ball no courage on the ball no taking responsibility with the ball… we were so passive.”

Although the result did not help in Forest’s desperate need for Premier League points, Cooper did not shy away from the task.

“We blame no one.

“We’re all in this together, but for sure, all of us didn’t do enough in the first half to compete. Ee gave Leeds rhythm and momentum in the game.”

Moreover, rumours around Steve Cooper’s job continued to circulate prior to the fixture, with The Sun reporting that Patrick Viera is lined up to replace the Welshman.

But as Forest fans have come to expect, this was not Cooper’s focus, the plight of Nottingham Forest is still very much at the forefront of his mind.

“You’re right to ask me the question (about pressure on his job) and I’ll never hide away from it but the reality is I just do not think about myself. Any negative emotion I feel is that Nottingham forest didn’t win a game they could have.

“I just do not think about myself, I only think about the the football club and the greater good because that is always the most important thing, especially this football club.”

“I’m sure there’s all sorts of stuff that has been written, I know there has. Some things have been mentioned to me but I don’t look at and it certainly doesn’t bother me. What bothers me is trying to do better than what we did tonight in terms of performances and results.”

Forest only remain outside the relegation zone by goal difference and travel to Aston Villa on Saturday in another huge fixture for Steve Cooper’s side.

The recent statement from owner Evangelos Marinakis provides assurances for Cooper and his squad going into Saturday’s clash at Villa Park.