‘I pity Awoniyi’ — Fans react to Chris Wood’s phenomenal scoring form
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Nottingham Forest star Taiwo Awoniyi | Imago

‘I pity Awoniyi’ — Fans react to Chris Wood’s phenomenal scoring form

Ayoola Kelechi 11:48 - 03.11.2024

Only Erling Haaland has scored more goals than Nottingham Forest's Chris Wood, leaving fans to wonder about Taiwo Awoniyi's future

Chris Wood’s stellar season continued with another goal in Nottingham Forest’s 3-0 victory over West Ham, elevating Forest to an impressive third place in the Premier League standings.

Wood’s hot streak has left fans in awe, especially as he has taken over the team’s top striker role from Nigeria’s Taiwo Awoniyi, who has had a difficult start to the season.

Nuno Espirito Santo has preferred Chris Wood to Taiwo Awoniyi at centre-forward (Credit: Imago)

With Wood’s rise in form, Awoniyi has seen limited playing time, sparking sympathy and support from fans on social media.

Wood’s unstoppable form propels Nottingham Forest to new heights

Nottingham Forest have taken 16 points from their opening 10 games, largely thanks to Wood’s incredible form in front of goal.

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The New Zealand international’s latest strike came from an unmarked header, his eighth of the season, which places him second only to Erling Haaland in the league’s top scorers.

Wood’s impact has provided Forest with a dependable scoring option, helping them stay far from relegation worries and, instead, climb toward the top of the table.

Ola Aina and Chris Wood | Imago
Ola Aina and Chris Wood | Imago Ola Aina and Chris Wood | Imago

Despite West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui’s efforts to stifle Wood by fielding three centre-backs, the 32-year-old found space to convert Alex Moreno’s cross with ease to open the scoring against the Hammers.

Wood’s tally since joining the Tricky Tees sees him among Nottingham Forest’s all-time leading Premier League scorers, just one goal behind the club’s record holder, Bryan Roy.

Awoniyi’s bench role draws fan sympathy

While Wood’s form has been a boon for Forest, it has come at a cost to Taiwo Awoniyi. The Nigerian striker, who led Forest’s scoring charts in their return to the Premier League last season, has now been relegated to a supporting role.

Chris Wood has been Nottingham Forest's go-to man this season | Imago
Chris Wood has been Nottingham Forest's go-to man this season | Imago Chris Wood has been Nottingham Forest's go-to man this season | Imago

Awoniyi has made only one league start this season, totalling 104 minutes without scoring, and fans have noted his diminished role, with some expressing sympathy and admiration for the forward on social media platform X, lamenting how the star player of the 2022/23 season now struggles for game time.

As Wood’s scoring spree continues, many fans hope to see Awoniyi regain his place and form alongside the in-form Kiwi striker.

For now, however, Wood remains Forest’s go-to man, as his performances keep the team near the top of the Premier League table.

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