Morgan Gibbs-White says the incredible City Ground atmosphere drives him on to show “the same energy” for Nottingham Forest.
The Reds’ brilliant home record was central to securing Premier League survival, with 30 of their 38 points picked up on the banks of the Trent. That haul included victories over Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion, as well as draws against Manchester City and Chelsea.
In the end, it was a home win over Arsenal which clinched safety with a game to spare. Gibbs-White has admitted to having a few nerves for that one, but he was determined to do his bit - as demonstrated by a clip of him roaring towards the crowd after busting a gut to track back after losing possession.
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“I did a few little skills, had a shot. It didn’t go in but it hit the target at least! I knew I had to get back as quickly as possible, so I just ran back,” the attacker recalled of that moment, speaking on an episode of Kick Game’s Shopping for Sneakers on YouTube.
“I’d seen the ball there, so I was like, I’m just going to go for it; if I get a foul, I get a foul, if I win the ball, I win the ball. I just went mad and started celebrating.
“I was blowing at that point! I almost got cramp after that. When you’re playing for such a passionate, historic club, you have to show the same energy.”
Of the game, he added: “It was stressful. It was crazy. It was more nerves than anything. That’s the first time this season where I’ve really got nervous.”
And the 23-year-old says Reds fans played a huge part in helping the team get over the line. The backing Trentside ensures Steve Cooper ’s side feel they can take on anyone at home.
“It’s completely down to the atmosphere,” Gibbs-White continued. “I’m not saying they’re not good away from home, because they are good - they bring a lot of people away from home and they’re as loud as anything, almost as loud as the home fans sometimes.
“But there’s just a feeling at home where we just feel like we can’t get beat. We’ve proven it against the top teams. We drew with City, beat Liverpool, beat Arsenal, beat Spurs (in the Carabao Cup).
“When you play at the City Ground, the atmosphere is ridiculous. Them and Newcastle are up there with the best fans I’ve ever heard in my life.”
What is your favourite City Ground moment from the season? Have your say in the comments below
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