Aina’s missed chance highlighted in Forest’s Carabao Cup defeat by Leeds

Former Nottingham Forest defender Brian Laws believes Ola Aina’s failure to convert a first-half opportunity proved costly as Forest began their Carabao Cup campaign with a 2-0 defeat by Leeds United.

The Nigeria international found himself in a promising position inside the penalty area with the chance to put Nottingham Forest in front. However, despite having time to choose his finish, Aina took a touch before attempting a volley that sailed over the crossbar.

Laws, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, felt the Super Eagles defender had been presented with a significant opening.

“That was a great chance there, both wing-backs are so high up. Aina hoped that he could get his body over the ball and keep it low,” he said.

“I think he saw the goal and his eyes grew bigger, it just blazed over the bar. Half a chance.”

The opportunity came during a difficult opening to the season for Aina and Nottingham Forest. The club are still waiting for their first victory under manager Olivier Glasner, while the defender has been unable to make the desired impact in the early stages of the campaign.

Aina started Forest’s opening Premier League fixture against Leeds United, but was replaced by Luca Netz in the second half. He was then involved again when the two sides met in the second round of the Carabao Cup, with Forest ultimately suffering another defeat.

His missed volley came when the game was still finely poised and represented a chance for Forest to take the initiative. Instead, Aina’s effort cleared the crossbar, and Leeds United went on to secure a 2-0 victory.

Laws focused on the difficulty of keeping the ball down while attempting the finish, but also suggested that Aina may have been affected by the sight of the goal opening up in front of him. The former Nottingham Forest defender described it as a chance that got away from the Nigeria international.

Aina will now be looking to rediscover his best form as the season develops and play a role in helping Nottingham Forest improve their results. The club’s slow start, combined with the search for a first win under Glasner, has increased the importance of finding consistency in the weeks ahead.

For Aina, the immediate challenge is to respond positively after the missed opportunity against Leeds United and regain his place among Forest’s most influential players.