Ben Watson was praised by some supporters after impressing in Nottingham Forest’s 1-0 win over Barnsley. The 34-year-old looked on his way out of the club before Sabri Lamouchi replaced Martin O’Neill over ther summer, but he’s been a regular in midfield ever since.
Watson scored the winning goal against Barnsley on Saturday, converting with a first-team effort from close range following a breakaway move down the right flank. His second-half goal capped a fine performance in the engine room, and fans showed their appreciation on social media.
As got to be Brice Samba and Ben Watson #EFL #nffc
— Tez Lees (@tezlees83) September 22, 2019
Michael Dawson, Ben Watson, Brice Samba, Yuri Ribiero, Thiago Silva all in with a shout #nffc
— Scotty J (@ScottyJwheeler) September 22, 2019
https://twitter.com/biltonsteve/status/1175790619144413185?s=20
I don’t know if it’s Lamouchi or the players that deserve the credit for some of the individual performances so far this season. I’d completely written off Watson, Dawson and Worrall before the season started. #nffc
— Jack Bryan (@jackbryan8) September 22, 2019
When this official account posted a happy birthday message to Ben a few months back, the abuse that many “fans” posted as replies was sickening. Well done to everyone who has since apologised and acknowledged they were wrong. Ben Watson deserves respect. Top player. #nffc
— Mr P (@Paramore1979) September 22, 2019
Against the Tykes, Watson played a full 90 minutes, made 54 touches, created one chance, had one shot which resulted in a goal, completed 73.7% of his 38 passes, made two tackles, blocked one shot, made one interception and made three clearances.
The Englishman has made eight appearances this season, racing up 680 minutes of football in the Championship. He’s made 43 appearances since joining Forest from Watford in February 2018 and is proving there’s still life in the old legs just yet.
Watson is keeping Alfa Semedo and John Bostock out of the starting lineup on merit too.
