Costel Pantilimon a standout performer for Nottingham Forest in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Queens Park Rangers. The 32-year-old saved a penalty to ensure all three points went back to the East Midlands and kept a 15th clean sheet of the season for his troubles. Although promotion is off the table, Forest are enjoying a strong end to the campaign and are now chasing three consecutive wins.
Since joining permanently over the summer, Pantilimon has come under criticism from supporters due to making errors and having poor distribution, but he was praised by many on social media after his contribution on Saturday. The Romanian international has made 44 Championship appearances, conceding 51 goals and has picked up consecutive clean sheets for the first time since February.
Pantilimon deserves a little bit of credit today maybe? 🤨 How many saves does he have to make to make up for his kicking? 🤷♂️ He’s been outstanding this season by any measure. #imposing 👏👏👏#nffc
— Forest FanBase 🔴⚪️ (@ForestFanBase) April 27, 2019
We owe him a lot more credit that we give him, kept us in games more than once. Ipswich for example
— Alex (@al3x_marshall) April 27, 2019
I’ve always backed him not top drawer but good keeper ????
— KeithLorenzo ???????? (@keithl1966) April 27, 2019
He was awesome today. ????????????????
— ashbashforest (@ashbashforest) April 27, 2019
He was by far the best player today. Made some really important saves ⚽
— Stuart Hardy (@nffc232323) April 27, 2019
Definitely gets unfair criticism. His kicking is suspect from time to time and all keepers have errors in them. But he’s been a good number 1 and made far more great saves than errors made over the season. Only my humble opinion.
— Tony Bark (@tonytheredbark) April 27, 2019
https://twitter.com/RedDogGary/status/1122174409312219143
Pantilimon made some big saves so very pleased for him well played #NFFC
— Jake Whalin forest still in the premier league (@jakeleewhalin) April 27, 2019
Forest’s win over QPR saw them move up to 10th in the Championship with 63 points from 45 games, sealing back-to-back wins for the first time September 2018. The Reds had lost four on the bounce before they turned their form around and Pantilimon has certainly played his part. Fans are appreciative of his efforts this season and he’s responded in kind to their support.
Crippy Cooke’s previous article
‘Huge talent’, ‘Game changer’ – some fans laud Nottingham Forest midfielder after QPR win
