Matz Sels Shines as Nottingham Forest Advances to Quarter-Finals
Nottingham Forest’s journey in the Carabao Cup continued with a thrilling penalty shootout victory over Ipswich Town, securing their place in the quarter-finals against Brighton. The match, played at the City Ground, saw Forest’s Belgian goalkeeper Matz Sels once again becoming the hero, saving the decisive penalty from Ipswich’s Jack Taylor. This marks the second consecutive round where Sels has emerged as the penalty shootout savior for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, just as he did against Exeter City in the previous round.
A Tense First Half and a Sparkling Second
The match began with a relatively low-key first half, with neither side creating many clear-cut opportunities. However, the game came to life after the break. Ipswich took the lead in the 53rd minute through George Hirst, who headed home from a Ben Johnson corner, much to the delight of the traveling Suffolk fans. Forest, however, were quick to respond. Ryan Yates, Forest’s captain, equalized with a powerful header from a well-delivered cross by Anthony Elanga, bringing the home fans back into the game. Despite Yates’ second goal being ruled out for offside, the atmosphere remained electric.
Extra Time Controversy and Penalty Showdown
The intensity continued into extra time, with both sides pushing for a decisive goal. There was controversy when Ipswich substitute Liam Delap was brought down by Forest defender Morato in the box, but referee Tony Harrington waved away claims for a penalty. The match went to penalties, and once again, Sels was the difference. Forest’s players—Chris Wood, Morgan Gibbs-White, Elliot Anderson, Neco Williams, and Callum Hudson-Odoi—all converted their spot kicks, leaving the pressure on Taylor. His miss, saved by Sels, sealed Forest’s victory and their place in the quarter-finals, a feat they have achieved only twice in the past 29 years.
Tactical Adjustments and Key Performances
Nuno Espirito Santo made six changes to his starting lineup, clearly looking to manage the squad’s workload, while Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna made eight changes, indicating a focus on their Premier League relegation battle. Despite the changes, Forest looked sharp, especially after the hour mark when subs Gibbs-White and Anderson were introduced. Chris Wood, despite not starting, came on late and nearly scored with a shot that clipped the crossbar. Hudson-Odoi, managed by Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea, impressed throughout, nearly giving Forest the lead and hitting the bar.
The Presence of England’s Tuchel and Squad Considerations
England boss Thomas Tuchel was in attendance, evaluating potential candidates for the upcoming internationals against Albania and Latvia. While Hudson-Odoi was the most likely candidate for future England squads, Tuchel would have also taken note of Gibbs-White and Anderson’s performances. The game provided a platform for these players to showcase their talents, with Hudson-Odoi particularly standing out for his threat and goal-scoring potential.
A Night of Emotions and Celebrations
The night was filled with emotions, from the early goal celebrations to the tense moments of the penalty shootout. Sels’ saves, in particular, led to jubilant scenes, with Nuno Espirito Santo and the Forest players sharing in the excitement. For Ipswich, the night ended in disappointment, with Taylor’s missed penalty marking a second consecutive shootout miss in the Carabao Cup this season. Nonetheless, the match highlighted the resilience and quality of both sides, setting the stage for an exciting quarter-final round.
