Nigeria and Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi has again entered the history books of the Tricky Trees in their match with Arsenal on Saturday.
Taiwo Awoniyi opened his goal account for the season in Nottingham Forest’s 2-1 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Three points on the board 🎯 pic.twitter.com/Cu5Rs0rRGU
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 12, 2023
The Super Eagles player had started the match from the bench, but came on for Danilo in the 71st minute of the game to pull one goal back for Forest as they tried to mount a comeback against the Gunners.
The 26-year-old forward slotted home from close range after he was teed up by fellow substitute Anthony Elanga.
His goal in the 82nd minute of the game created yet another record, becoming only the second Nottingham Forest player in the club's history to score in five straight Premier League appearances after Stan Collymore who set the record last between March/April, 1995.
Awoniyi had been a major doubt for the game after recently returning to training and was duly named among the substitutes; however, that did not deter him as he continued his goal-scoring form that started towards the end of last season.
Taiwo Awoniyi was on target as Nottingham Forest played out a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace in their last game of the 2022/23 campaign.
The Nigerian striker scored in four consecutive games to help Nottingham Forest secure their Premier League status and also entered the record books of the club in the process.
He scored six goals in his last four games to end the season with 10 league goals, becoming just the fourth Nottingham Forest player to achieve this feat in the Premier League.
Before that, only three players have scored 10+ Premier League goals in a single season for Nottingham Forest.
With Awoniyi's strike against Palace, he became the fourth player:
- Nigel Clough in 1992/93 league campaign
- Stan Collymore in 1994/95 league season
- Bryan Roy in the 1994/95 league campaign
- Taiwo Awoniyi in 2022/23 league season
Taiwo Awoniyi scored 10 goals and assisted 1 goal in his 17 Premier League starts last season.
What to expect from Taiwo Awoniyi this season
Having impressed last season at the City Ground, Awoniyi is aiming to improve his performances this season. A start for him could have given Forest a chance against Arsenal as his presence has proven that Steve Cooper's side play better when the Nigerian striker is upfront.
Awoniyi in an interview after the end of last season, has expressed his desire to continue what he knows how to do best, and to help the team achieve their goals and aspirations for this season that has now begun on a good note for him personally.
Nottingham Forest will next play newly promoted side Sheffield United at home on 18 August as they seek to grab their first win of the season.
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 months ago
