Igor Jesus Scores a Brace as The Reds Round Off European Campaign with Victory over Ferencvaros
Match Summary
- Forest were already through to the knockout round.
- A Ferencvaros defender deflection gives hosts a first-half lead.
- Igor Jesus' European strike puts the team in command.
- Striker adds a third with a clinical effort in the latter period.
- James McAtee rounds off a great performance with a spot-kick.
The Brazilian attacker scored twice as the Premier League side rounded off the league phase of the Europa League with a convincing win against their Hungarian visitors at the City Ground.
The hosts had previously guaranteed a place in the knockout round play-offs and went into this game with a small chance of making the league's elite, although they required other matches to go their way.
That did not happen but this assured display will give the supporters belief that their side can come through the two-legged play-off to advance to the round of sixteen.
A Ferencvaros midfielder struck the post with a headed effort inside the opening stages for the visitors – coached by former Tottenham striker Robbie Keane – but it was dominantly the home side from that point forward.
They broke the deadlock in the 17th minute when Ryan Yates' cross was deflected in by Bence Otvos and doubled the lead four minutes later – the striker squeezing a shot in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.
Jesus' 11th came soon after the restart when he timed a run perfectly to escape the defence and then place a shot past the goalkeeper.
That goal killed off the visitors' hopes of mounting a recovery and instead the hosts added a fourth when the excellent McAtee converted a spot-kick after a infringement by the hapless Otvos inside the penalty area on the winger.
The Europa League knockout phase play-off lottery is scheduled on the final Friday of January (midday UK time), where Forest could be drawn against either the Turkish side or Panathinaikos.
"It is not just the scoreline, there was that atmosphere about it. I want these players to do well as a unit, the entire team," said manager Sean Dyche.
"That was another step, but it is a positive step."
Forest Analysis: Striker Shines as Recent Arrival Observes from Stands
Jesus has been a revelation for Nottingham Forest in Europe this season with half of his 11 goals coming in the tournament.
His brace also means he has got a trio of strikes in his previous two outings and the prospect of competition for his position in the forward line could be spurring him on.
Italian forward Lorenzo Lucca was last week signed on loan and he was watching this match from the stands.
That may well have been on the striker's thoughts as he was outstanding against the opposition, delivering two excellent finishes and generally being a constant threat to the visitors' defence with his speed and runs.
Jesus was not alone in catching the eye, with James McAtee turning in his finest display in a Nottingham Forest shirt since signing from Manchester City in the previous transfer window, while Dan Ndoye also impressed.
Such positive showings will give the club some fresh hope as they turn their attention to increasing the gap from the bottom three when they host their London rivals on Sunday.
"The minimum requirement is a response," added the manager.
"I've never questioned their commitment or their dedication or integrity. It is just about displaying your ability.
"McAtee was excellent and Dan Ndoye was super sharp. Igor got another two and these are positive indicators."
Player of the Match
Number: 19 Igor Jesus
Average rating: 9.1
Nottingham Forest Key Performers
- Igor Jesus: Rating 9.10
- #24: Average Rating 8.75
- R. Yates: Average Rating 8.6
- #6: Rating 8.01
- N. Milenković: Rating 7.94
Ferencváros Ratings
- #11: Average Rating 4.14
- #66: Average Rating 4.1
- #16: Average Rating 4.09
Once the chance to submit ratings has ended, the rating displayed represents the average from all the submissions.
