Why Alex Moreno Chose Not to Celebrate with Teammates After Nottingham Forest’s Goal vs Chelsea
In an intense Premier League clash over the weekend, Nottingham Forest secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. For neutral fans, the game was a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with end-to-end action, but for Forest supporters, it was an anxiety-inducing experience. Both teams pressed hard to find a winner, but their goalkeepers stood tall, ensuring the game ended in a stalemate. Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez and Forest’s Matz Sels received praise for their performances, especially from Robert Sanchez himself, who lauded Sels for his heroics between the posts.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s tactical approach for Forest played out perfectly, frustrating Chelsea throughout the match. TalkSPORT presenter Andy Jacobs labeled Forest’s strategy as “cheating,” a rather ironic criticism from a Chelsea supporter, given the club’s history of hiring Jose Mourinho, a master of tactical pragmatism.
A key moment came when Chris Wood netted his fourth goal of the season, earning him praise from pundit Ally McCoist. However, what drew even more attention was the unusual reaction of Forest defender Alex Moreno after the goal. Instead of rushing to celebrate with his teammates, Moreno pointed toward the bench, specifically in the direction of Axl Rice, Espirito Santo’s assistant coach. He then made a fist-pumping gesture, signaling gratitude toward Rice.
The reason for this rare display of recognition lies in Rice’s contribution behind the scenes. According to reports from The Telegraph, Rice has been responsible for working on Forest’s set pieces in training, an area in which the club struggled last season. Moreno’s gesture was a clear acknowledgment of Rice’s work, as the goal came from a well-executed set piece.
Moreno, who is on loan from Aston Villa, has already proven to be a valuable addition to the Forest squad, adding much-needed balance to their backline. His decision not to celebrate with his teammates but to honor Rice illustrates the unity within the club and highlights the importance of tactical preparation in modern football.
Why Alex Moreno Chose Not to Celebrate with Teammates After Nottingham Forest’s Goal vs Chelsea