Matt Turner turns hero in penalty shootout as Nottingham Forest defeats Bristol City in the FA Cup!
The 2023/24 season for Nottingham Forest’s number 1, Matt Turner has been a journey through the pits of hell. The American has been responsible for an assortment of errors leading to goals throughout the campaign. However, Matt Turner turned savior for Nottingham Forest vs Bristol City in the FA Cup as his penalty save won them the game. Turner’s save sent Forest into the 5th round of the FA Cup where they will face the daunting Manchester United. So, let’s look at how the night went down as Nottingham Forest overcame Bristol City in the 4th round replay!
Nottingham Forest vs Bristol City: Matt Turner Hero
After the 0-0 draw back in January, Nottingham Forest and Bristol looked fixated on scoring in the replay. Forest, at home, scored first through Divock Origi. The Belgian’s quick reflexes helped him turn in Felipe’s header from the corner into goal.
But celebrations for Forest didn’t last long. After a wave of fluid possession, Bristol City pieced together the perfect attack in minute 14. A long range Andy King effort forced Matt Turner into a fantastic save to his right. Unfortunately for Turner, his defense failed to clear the ball which fell in a threatening position to City’s Roberts. His ball to the emerging Jason Knight inside the box helped Bristol equalize with a sublime finish from Knight.
Bristol City and Nottingham Forest struggled to retain possession over the course of the game while both constructed quite a few chances. However, neither could benefit from the opportunities they created, and the game stayed tied at 1-1 at full time. As the game progressed in extra time, fantastic saves from Matt Turner for Nottingham Forest and O’Leary for Bristol City forced the game to penalties.
Nottingham Forest managed to convert all their penalties. As Bristol threatened to do the same, it was down to Matt Turner’s brilliance, which guided Forest home. He read Bristol City’s Sam Bell’s penalty perfectly and dived to his right to make the crucial stop. At the end of the shootout, the score read 5-4, in favor of Nottingham with Turner’s save the difference.
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Nottingham Forest vs Bristol City: The Significance of Matt Turner’s Save
It is no secret that Matt Turner has struggled in goal this season. Quite a few of the goals conceded by Forest have been due to an error by the American in goal. However, his heroics, which have helped Nottingham set up a date with Manchester United in the 5th round of the FA Cup, might offer him a chance at redemption. Furthermore, with that save, he has shut down at least a few critics who have questioned his position in the USMNT squad as the Nations League approaches.
For Nottingham, Turner’s redemption could also be of paramount importance to their desire to avoid relegation. Placed at 16, only 2 points above the drop zone, a return to form for Turner could help them achieve a higher amount of clean sheets which could be crucial at the end of the season. Forest also wouldn’t mind progressing to the 5th round of the FA Cup against a Manchester United side they beat back in December.
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