Sean Dyche made eight changes to the Nottingham Forest side that won at West Ham
Sean Dyche has challenged some Nottingham Forest players to engage in “self-reflection” following an “unacceptable” first-half showing in their FA Cup defeat to Wrexham.
Forest, the first Premier League team to compete in the third round, also became the first top-flight casualty against lower-league opposition.
After making eight personnel changes from Tuesday’s Premier League victory at West Ham, Dyche watched on with frustration as his team trailed their Championship counterparts 2-0 at the interval.
Despite a comeback to 3-3, forcing extra time at Stok Cae Ras, they ultimately succumbed 4-3 in the penalty shootout after Igor Jesus and Omari Hutchinson had their spot-kicks saved by Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo.
“The first half was completely unacceptable,” Dyche told TNT Sports.
“I informed the players of my dissatisfaction, and certain individuals are acutely aware that they need to engage in self-assessment.
“However, in the unpredictable nature of football, some players who came on in the second half performed admirably, and we began to resemble a Premier League side.
“Such a performance is unacceptable in the first half, wholly unacceptable. It’s unacceptable to me, and I emphasized the need for self-reflection, as it’s also unacceptable to the club’s values.
“They frequently inquire about their lack of playing time. Well, for some, the reasons are evident.”
While acknowledging the impact of substitutes like Callum Hudson-Odoi, who scored twice, Dyche maintained his criticism of the team’s substandard performance in the opening 45 minutes.
“I could have substituted the entire team [at half-time],” he added. “The tempo and mentality required to dominate the game were severely lacking in the first half.
“We’ve dedicated significant effort to addressing this issue, but there was a lack of intent and genuine desire to make a difference. The second-half changes were highly effective.
“The reality is that we need to make changes. Their performance has spoken volumes and they certainly won’t be questioning their playing time after that first-half display.”
Wrexham stun Forest in shootout to reach fourth round
The three goals conceded at Wrexham mean Forest have now conceded 46 goals in all competitions this season, with only Wolves, who are at the bottom of the league, conceded more among Premier League clubs.
But with his side 17th in the league – seven points clear of the bottom three – Dyche’s focus will now be solely on keeping Forest in the top flight after an evening to forget in north Wales.
“Forest were nowhere near good enough in the first half,” former Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“If they had played the whole game like they did the second they would have won convincingly, but full credit must go to Wrexham.
“Forest back to the drawing board and the task of trying to stay in the Premier League.”
Speaking on TNT Sports, ex-Liverpool and Real Madrid winger Steve McManaman added: “The story tonight is Wrexham and the journey they have been on with the new owners. Nottingham Forest played their part in this story.
“The first 45 minutes, they may as well have not turned up. That is really disappointing because Sean Dyche trusted some of those players to do a job for him and they didn’t.
“He had to rely on some of his big boys. They went to extra-time and that is something he didn’t want, so he will be going crazy in the dressing room.”
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