Nottingham Forest enjoyed a 2-1 win over Swansea City on Saturday afternoon, but it wasn’t a vintage performance from Martin O’Neill’s men. Ben Osborn was one who struggled to make a telling impact and drew a lot of criticism from supporters on social media.
FFS!!! We all know what usually happens when we play Osborn left back!!!!! #nffc
— Lex (@alexihughes27) March 30, 2019
Osborn for Robinson baffles me!!! Like Osborn, but Robinson should be first choice left back. #nffc
— wayne 🏴 (@ForestWayne) March 30, 2019
https://twitter.com/GarethJD81/status/1111998379205292032
Never thought I'd say it but #NFFC need to get Robinson on as soon as possible, Osborn atrocious so far
— Lee D (@LD1984) March 30, 2019
#NFFC O’Neil is taking us backwards fact,finally find a great left back and he plays Osborn there 😡
— humptydo (@markclater) March 30, 2019
Yet another manager choosing to play Ben Osborn at left back 🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️#nffc
— Danny Stewart (@DannyPStewart) March 30, 2019
Against tougher opposition to come in the run in Carvahlo has to feature more Colback and Watson didn’t work today I accept Grabban being subbed he’s not fully fit but Osborn is not a LB and when we got 1 sat on the bench? #nffc
— Dom B (@domthered) March 30, 2019
Please can someone explain to me what hold Osborn has over the club to keep getting picked #NFFC
— Richard West (@RichWest74) March 30, 2019
#NFFC It’s all about opinions and I respect everyone has a right to one. Mine is this: Today was very poor. We got bloody lucky. The subs were puzzling. Robinson must start whenever possible. Osborn should not whenever possible. We’re still in the mix somehow.
— Rosco (@VitalRG) March 30, 2019
https://twitter.com/MustBlank/status/1112271826825154560
Despite having Jack Robinson at his disposal, Osborn started at left-back. Against Swansea, the 24-year-old made 67 touches, 42 passes with 71% accuracy, two tackles, one interception, four clearances and whipping in five crosses with 20% accuracy.
Osborn failed to create a chance, making a successful dribble or win an aerial duel. He also made three unsupported touches and was dispossessed once. The Englishman hasn’t done too badly at left-back in previous games, but he wasn’t at his best on Saturday.
Osborn has been a regular this season, making 34 Championship appearances, scoring and creating six goals. He’s made 46 chances, boasts a 52% dribble success rate and has averaged a tackle (63) or interception (28) every 26 minutes. He’s also whipped in 100 crosses with 32% accuracy.
Robinson could return for Forest’s next game against Rotherham United (away) on April 6. The Reds are ninth in the Championship with 57 points from 39 games, two points adrift of the playoffs.
Crippy Cooke’s previous article
Forgotten man returns for Nottingham Forest, future remains uncertain – opinion
