A look of frustration crossed the face of Steve Cooper as Nottingham Forest conceded the initial Premier League goal during his management against Bournemouth.
Forest were playing Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, marking Cooper’s inaugural league match since succeeding Erik ten Hag in the manager’s seat.
Things started promisingly with a 2-0 triumph over Porto in the Europa League during the week, but the return to domestic action wasn’t the best for Forest’s third permanent manager this season.
Steve Cooper Displayed Disappointment at Bournemouth’s Dubious First Goal
It’s likely to be a contender for goal of the week, yet it does come with some debate.
Marcus Tavernier scored DIRECTLY from a corner kick to open the scoring against Nottingham Forest 🤯 pic.twitter.com/j0cbzKlu9KOctober 26, 2025
Following observation of Areola’s leap for the ball, queries arose regarding whether his jump was affected by a push from Antoine Semenyo.
The VAR officials didn’t believe so, and many would likely agree; the goalkeeper should have been more commanding.
However, Cooper was visibly disapproving, and upon reviewing replays, his frustration might be justified, not because of Semenyo’s involvement, but due to the circumstances leading to the corner.
Tavernier earned the corner after his cross was blocked by Forest defender Harry Toffolo, but replays indicate that the ball rebounded off the attacker before going out.
A goal-kick should have been awarded, but VAR cannot intervene for corner, throw-in, or free-kick decisions, preventing a reversal of the decision.
The instance of the double contact before the ball crossed the line occurred rapidly, so whether Cooper’s disapproval was aimed at this is uncertain, and somewhat improbable.
Nevertheless, the Forest manager has valid grounds for complaint upon reviewing the incident.
Regardless, it shouldn’t detract from Tavernier’s stunning goal.
