It took him a while to show his scoring class in new club Nottingham Forest, but when he did, it was in classical fashion.
The dominant presence of Nigeria international Taiwo Awoniyi is no longer in doubt as he returned from injury to cement his reputation as a top striker, notching successive brace in the English Premiership.
If there was any doubting Thomas in The City Ground, he is assured now that Awoniyi is a good buy. Awoniyi scored twice in two consecutive games against Southampton and Chelsea to take his tally to nine for Forest this season.
The 25-year-old became the first player to score back-to-back double for the team since 1995.
In an interview with nottinghamforest.co.uk over the week, Awoniyi gave credit to the coaching staff and his teammates for sticking to the plan as Forest fought back to draw 2-2 against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Awoniyi gave Forest the lead in the capital when he rose highest to head in from Renan Lodi’s cross on 13 minutes, but The Reds found themselves behind early in the second half when a quick fire Raheem Sterling brace turned the game on its head.
Forest fought back and found a rapid response, with Awoniyi on hand to convert Orel Mangala’s cross for the equaliser and his fourth goal in two games. After his two goals earned Forest a hard-fought point at Stamford Bridge, the striker spoke post-match and praised the unity within the squad.
“I think it was a hard game, but kudos to the coaching staff and the whole team for sticking to the plan we came up with. For us to leave with a point is something we’re obviously very happy about. It could be the most important point for us, who knows?”
He added that the team’s character was a result of the unity in the team.
“With the way the manager and the staff conduct the team and the togetherness we have, this game shows how united we are.
“As a player, you can’t give up. You have to keep on giving everything no matter the situation, if you’re playing or not, if you’re on the bench, you just have to work hard and keep on believing.”
And the goals he said were replicas of what they had done and work hard to achieve in training. “It was a great ball from Renan for the first goal.
“In training he put a similar cross in and I didn’t score, so he said to me “in the game, you have to score”, so I said “okay, I will”.
“I have to thank the manager too. I had a similar chance against Brentford and he sat me down and spoke to me about what to do, and thankfully it worked today.
“This is what makes a team, this is what makes you better, when you have someone who gives you the chance to understand the game more and what you need to do better.”
The former Nigeria cadet player, also attributed the second goal to the coaches’ belief in him.
“The second goal is also part of the coaches’ work. They came up with the idea of the throw-ins and we have created many chances from this.
“It was something special from Moussa, but also from Orel as well, and as a striker, you have to be ready for anything in the box.”
Awoniyi said he was happy to notch braces in two games, and rekindle a 28-year-old history.
“To be honest, the injury was a setback as that was the time I thought I was getting going.
“Like I said though, if you have an injury, if you’re not playing or if you’re on the bench, all you can do is work hard.
“All the goals that are coming now are just a way of showing how hard I have worked. For me, the most important thing is that I believe in God, and he’s always behind me in everything I do.
“The goals aren’t coming if my teammates aren’t giving me the chances, it’s a collective idea and collective work together. We are getting there.”
He has nice words for the fans for not giving up on them.
“The spirit that keeps us going comes from the fans.
Read Also: Taiwo Awoniyi’s lone goal ends Arsenal title hope as Forest survive relegation
“Against Chelsea, it felt like we were playing at The City Ground. For me, this is something dear to my heart.
“The energy they bring and everything they give to us, I just want to say thank you to them.
“We now have to take the point and look forward to the next game.”
The goals came at the right time separating Forest from the lowest rung of the table and looking out of relegation zone. They are in 16th place with 34 points above Everton, Leeds, Leicester and Southampton.
BELIEF
Awoniyi is also enjoying the affection of team mates who have been praising him for his calmness and presence in front of goal. Midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White said belief is high amongst the dressing room after Forest’s huge 4-3 win over Southampton penultimate week.
The attacking midfielder played an influential role in the win, scoring from the penalty spot before half-time to restore Forest’s two-goal advantage at a vital time, before producing an excellent assist for Danilo late in the second half.
Gibbs-White, who has now contributed to six goals in his last four matches, says that belief amongst the players remains high as The Reds prepare for the final three games of the season.
“It was a bit of a rollercoaster but the boys stuck together and showed great character to help us get the win which we fully deserved.
“Hats off to Southampton, they came here fighting in the situation that they are in, so fair play to them as well.”
“He’s what you’d call a typical striker.
“If you give him chances in front of goal, he’s going to score, and that’s what he did.
“He had a bad injury and he’s worked so hard to come back so I’m absolutely delighted for him that he got his two goals which he deserved.”
“You’ve just got to stay calm and composed. You’ve got to trust in your ability and trust that you’re going to score.
“We did our homework a couple of days ago so I knew what my plan was, and luckily enough it went in.
“You have to be confident in those situations, you can’t be negative or think about missing.
“I stayed positive, I knew where I was going to put the ball and put it in the back of the net.”
On the assist for Danilo’s goal, he said.
“I had the chance to shoot but saw Kyle Walker-Peters ready to dive and try to block my shot.
“I saw Danilo overlapping me, so I thought I’d try something and luckily enough it paid off.”
“I’ve said before that Danilo is an incredible player. He’s got so much ability and he can go a very long way. He just needs to stay grounded. He’s going to be vital for us in the final games.”
“The fans were incredible once again. They stuck behind us through every moment of the game.
“It was my mistake for the first goal, but they stuck behind me and stuck behind us. It made us we keep going and we got the result we deserved. We knew coming into these last games that it was going to be really tough, but we’ve stuck to the manager’s game plan. We planned a win at Stamford Bridge but a point was okay. We had a great game and Taiwo (Awoniyi) came out good. It wasn’t easy, but I believed, the team believed and the whole of the Forest fan base believed that we can definitely do it.”
