Fulham boss Marco Silva has explained his decision to substitute Alex Iwobi in the first half of his side’s 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday evening.

Fulham were rattled by Nottingham Forest, who scored two goals inside the first 20 minutes, through Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Chris Wood.

The Cottagers had no answers to the attacking onslaught and looked bereft of ideas and confidence.

Silva reacted by making three tactical substitutions, disappointed with the early goals conceded, and overall standard of play

Marco Silva explains Iwobi substitution

Alex Iwobi was one of those substituted, as well as Sasa Lukic and Harry Wilson.

His substitutions did not affect the game as Morgan Gibbs-White increased the lead to 3-0 for the hosts in first half.

However, Tosin Adarabioyo headed home from a corner to reduce the deficit at the start of the second half.

In his post-match interview, Silva explained the strategic decision behind his early substitutions, which occurred in the 33rd minute.

“I wanted to see a reaction. I want to be clear it was not the fault of the players who came off,” he said.

“In that moment, if I could have changed more, I would have. I don’t want to highlight those three players, it was not their fault.

“At that moment, I wanted to keep more of the ball and with Tom Cairney and Willian they were able to do that."

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