A Disaster at the Vitality: What Went Wrong
Nottingham Forest fans were left furious on Sunday afternoon after their side’s disappointing 2–0 defeat to AFC Bournemouth, and one player in particular has become the centre of attention for all the wrong reasons.
This match marked Sean Dyche’s first Premier League game in charge of Forest, but instead of a confident start, it turned into a nightmare. Bournemouth claimed victory through goals from Marcus Tavernier (25’) and Eli Junior Kroupi (40’) — the first of which came from an extraordinary “olímpico” goal that appeared to stem from a controversial corner decision.
Replays showed the ball might have come off a Bournemouth player before going out of play, but the referee awarded the corner regardless — leading to Tavernier’s audacious strike straight from the flag. The Forest bench erupted in protest, and Dyche himself was visibly livid on the touchline.
The Player in the Firing Line
While Forest’s issues were collective, one defender has been singled out by supporters as the chief culprit. Based on the lineup ratings, Murillo, who started in central defence alongside Nikola Milenković, is the man under fire.
Despite having strong technical ability, Murillo’s performance was widely criticised as error-prone and lacking composure. He appeared slow to react during Bournemouth’s counterattacks and struggled aerially against Dominic Solanke. On social media, the verdict was brutal.
One angry fan wrote:
> “Murillo was a 2/10 today — looked like a Championship player at best.”
Another comment read:
> “Dyche needs to drop him immediately. Every week it’s the same mistakes at the back.”
Why the Backlash Has Intensified
There are several factors behind the magnitude of the fan reaction:
1. A Damaged Debut for Dyche – The new boss was hoping to mark his arrival with a statement performance, but the defensive collapse made it look like a continuation of the problems that plagued the team before his arrival.
2. Recurring Defensive Frailties – Forest have now gone six games without a win and continue to concede soft goals. Bournemouth were allowed too much time and space in key areas, exposing the lack of organisation in Dyche’s back line.
3. Emotional Reaction from Fans – Social media platforms were flooded with criticism. The general sentiment among supporters is frustration with the club’s repeated inability to defend basic set-pieces.
4. Mounting Pressure on the Season – With Forest currently hovering near the relegation zone, patience is wearing thin. Fans want immediate accountability — and dropping underperforming players is seen as a necessary first step.
What Happens Next
Dyche now faces his first major decision as Forest manager. Does he stick with the same lineup, or make a bold change to appease the fans and tighten up the defence?
There are calls for the likes of Joe Worrall or Andrew Omobamidele to be given an opportunity, while others suggest shifting to a back three to protect Murillo and Milenković. Whatever the solution, it’s clear that something must change quickly.
The player himself will also have to respond in training. A strong performance in the coming fixtures could silence critics, but another error could make his position untenable.
Final Word
The 2–0 defeat to Bournemouth was more than just a loss — it was a reality check. For Nottingham Forest, the Dyche era has begun under immediate scrutiny. For Murillo, it’s a warning shot from a fan base that demands accountability and consistency.
If he remains in the lineup next week, it will mean Dyche still trusts him. But if he’s dropped, it will send a clear message to the rest of the squad: under Dyche, no one is safe.
