Rabiu AminuNottingham Forest Fans Vent Frustration at Igor Jesus After Dismal Defeat to EvertonIn a chilly evening at the City Ground on December 30, 2025, Nottingham Forest suffered a humiliating 0-2 defeat to Everton, extending their winless streak and plunging the club deeper into relegation worries. The loss, marked by goals from former Forest academy product James Garner in the 19th minute and substitute Thierno Barry in the 79th, highlighted a glaring lack of clinical finishing from the home side. But it was striker Igor Jesus who bore the brunt of the fans’ ire, with his subpar performance drawing boos and jeers from the frustrated Trentside faithful.
Forest, sitting precariously in 17th place with just 18 points, dominated possession for large spells but failed to convert opportunities into goals. Igor Jesus, the Brazilian forward signed in the summer to bolster the attack, was at the center of several missed chances that could have turned the tide. Early in the game, he fluffed a header from a pinpoint cross, sending it harmlessly over the bar. Later, with the score at 1-0, Jesus found himself in a prime position inside the box but poked his effort inches wide of Jordan Pickford’s post. Another chance in the second half, following a defensive mix-up, saw him skew a shot off target once more. These blunders epitomized Forest’s season-long struggle, having scored the second-fewest goals in the Premier League.
As the final whistle blew, the City Ground erupted in discontent. Fans, who had hoped for a festive boost against a mid-table Everton, booed the team off the pitch. Manager Sean Dyche, ironically facing the club that sacked him at the start of 2025, cut a dejected figure as he applauded the supporters. Social media exploded post-match, with #JesusOut trending among Forest fans. One supporter tweeted, “Igor Jesus couldn’t finish his dinner tonight, let alone a chance! Waste of money.” Another lamented, “We’ve got no bite up front. Jesus needs to perform miracles, not miss sitters.
“Dyche defended his striker in the press conference, saying, “Igor’s working hard, but we all need to step up. It’s a team effort.” However, with Forest’s attack firing blanks—Callum Hudson-Odoi also missed a golden opportunity—the pressure is mounting. Jesus, who has only netted twice in 15 appearances this season, faces an uphill battle to win back the fans’ trust.
This defeat not only gifts Everton three vital points but also amplifies calls for reinforcements in the January transfer window. For Nottingham Forest, the new year can’t come soon enough, but without improved performances from key players like Jesus, relegation looms large. The fans’ displeasure is a stark reminder: in football, forgiveness is earned on the pitch, not handed out freely.
Rabiu Aminu
