Joe Lolley addressed Forest fans following their 1-0 home defeat to Charlton Athletic on Tuesday night, stating on Twitter that he had “No excuses,” and that his club were “nowhere near good enough”.
The 27-year-old has been in fine form this season, playing an influential part in Nottingham Forest’s promotion push, contributing seven goals and six assists in 26 starts for the Reds (via WhoScored).
However, following a disappointing and unexpected home defeat to relegation-threatened Charlton, Forest fans were less than pleased with their team’s performance.
Manager Sabri Lamouchi, in particular, came under fire for his rotated team selection, with the Frenchman declaring in his post-match press conference that the result was probably his fault.
Lolley, meanwhile, faired a little better with the Forest fans, with many stating it was evident the attacking midfielder gave his all for the side.
No excuses, nowhere near good enough ?
— Joe Lolley (@JLolley23) February 11, 2020
You did your best joe, no ones denying that, those deliveries towards the end demonstrated how frustrated you were, you won’t be playing with bong and Jenks down those flanks every game, chin up ?
— Sarcastic Forest (@SarcasticForest) February 11, 2020
Hold your head up high mate, only one who was up to it
— Tom (@TomNFFC_) February 11, 2020
You looked knackered Joe, but appreciate you giving it your all. Only player that tried to make things happen tonight
— Aaron (@NFFC_AMW) February 11, 2020
you were the only one that did anything
— kieran (@nffckieran_) February 11, 2020
Too many changes Joe. Looked like strangers at times. You tried your best??
— Debs???? (@deblee_smith) February 11, 2020
Only player to care
— Pierce???????? (@nffc_wierce) February 11, 2020
What do we think?
Lolley has been Nottingham Forest’s star-man this season, putting in impressive performances in crucial games, most recently in last week’s 2-0 victory over fellow promotion contenders Leeds. His stats reflect this, with the former Huddersfield man registering an average of 2.5 shots, 1.5 key passes and 1.7 dribbles per game (via WhoScored).
Lolley and Forest will have to put this setback behind them quickly with another potentially season-defining fixture at top-of-the-table West Brom this Saturday. With a result at the Hawthorns, Forest fans will feel they are one step closer to realising their 21-year long dream of seeing their club back in the top flight.