Ola Aina’s crucial goal for Nottingham Forest in their 2-0 win over Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday has drawn attention for more than just his clinical finish.
In a post-match interview, Aina revealed a key tactical insight that helped him find the back of the net, shining a light on how his team’s defensive solidity and counterattacking strategy played a vital role in their victory, footballrover reports.
Ola Aina’s secret to scoring the crucial goal against Brentford
Nottingham Forest’s win over Brentford showed the team’s resilience.
The victory handed Brentford their first home defeat of the season, thanks to Aina’s close-range strike and Anthony Elanga’s goal shortly after halftime.
The win marked Forest’s ninth of the season, propelling them into fourth place with 31 points from 17 games.
In the interview, Aina credited the team’s solid performance to their disciplined approach, especially in away games.
He admitted that it wasn’t an easy game, despite the 2-0 scoreline, claiming that they had to dig deep and work hard for the three points.
Forest’s compact defensive setup, including five players with three centre-backs, ensured they kept Brentford at bay throughout the match.
Tactical shifts: Aina’s role in Nottingham Forest’s aggressive counterattacks
Aina was deployed in a more advanced right wing-back role instead of his usual right-back position, a tactical change aimed at enhancing Forest’s counterattacks.
The team wanted to be more aggressive on the counter, and it worked well at times, as explained by the Super Eagles defender.
The defensive structure allowed the team to maintain stability while also posing an attacking threat.
Ola Aina’s insight: “I had to be there” for the crucial goal
While discussing his goal, Aina attributed his positioning to the tactical instruction of manager Nuno Espírito Santo.
When the ball came his way, he was in the right place at the right time, slotting it into the net to seal Forest’s crucial victory.
“The gaffer did say that when the other fullback is on the ball in the crossing areas, I have got to get in the box and be around it just to affect things a little bit, and luckily it fell to me, and I put it in the back of the net,” he revealed.
Focus on the future: Nottingham Forest’s ambitious goals
While Aina’s goal was a highlight, the team’s collective focus remains on continuous improvement.
Aina emphasised that while the team’s dreams are big, they must remain grounded while looking ahead to their upcoming matches, including the Boxing Day clash with Tottenham.
With 21 games left in the season, Nottingham Forest are already matching their total wins from last season.
The team will need to maintain their form and work hard to secure a European spot by May.
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