54 touches, eight crosses: Forest’s Oliver Burke was superb against Burton Albion

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Nottingham Forest defeated Burton Albion 4-3 at the City Ground.

Nottingham Forest winger Oliver Burke had a tremendous game as his side defeated Nigel Clough’s Burton Albion 4-3 in an entertaining end-to-end Championship clash at the City Ground in Saturday’s opener.

The two Midlands sides headed into the season having undergone huge changes of late – Forest beginning life under new boss Philippe Montanier and Burton playing Championship football for the first time.

It was a dream opening fixture when you throw in Clough’s connections with Forest too, and it certainly didn’t disappoint as both sides put on a superb attacking show and went toe-to-toe for for much of the encounter.

Burton found themselves going behind, only to go in 2-2 at the break. However, Forest came flying out the traps in the second half and went 4-2 up, before Burton pulled one back and applied plenty of late pressure.

Forest forward Britt Assombalonga will no doubt grab the headlines after he found the net twice, yet arguably the Reds’ most impressive performer was young winger Oliver Burke.

As shown by the table provided by Opta, the 19-year-old has a superb game and contributed in a number of key attacking and defensive categories over the course of the 90 minutes.

Aside from his goal which put the hosts 3-2 up minutes into the second period, Burke also posted an impressive three shots, one assist via a key pass, and eight crosses.

Moreover, he took 54 touches throughout the 90 minutes, and from a defensive perspective contributed with six defensive duels won and four ball recoveries.

Forest probably deserved all three points following their turnaround after finding themselves 2-1 down, and arguably the most pleasing aspect for their supporters were the number of youth players who featured.