Nottingham fans claim it’s a crime that ace hasn’t played more after masterclass in Europa League thrashing

Nottingham Forest Fans Call for Igor Jesus to Get More Premier League Starts After Europa League Masterclass in Fenerbahce Rout

Nottingham Forest fans are urging manager Vitor Pereira to hand Igor Jesus more regular Premier League minutes following the Brazilian forward’s standout performance in Thursday night’s stunning 3-0 Europa League play-off first-leg victory over Fenerbahce in Istanbul.

Jesus, signed from Botafogo last summer for around €20 million, delivered a masterclass that left the home crowd stunned and the travelling 1,200 Forest supporters in raptures. The 24-year-old opened the scoring with a clinical header from a Morgan Gibbs-White near-post flick-on in the 43rd minute – his seventh goal in just seven Europa League appearances this season. He then turned provider early in the second half, racing clear of the offside trap before squaring for Gibbs-White to make it 3-0.

The first goal actually came from centre-back Murillo, but it was Jesus who stole the headlines. Rated 10/10 by several outlets, he tormented the Fenerbahce defence with his pace, movement and clinical finishing. His Europa League tally now surpasses any Nottingham Forest player in a single European campaign, eclipsing Garry Birtles’ 1978/79 record.

Despite his continental heroics, Jesus has been restricted to a rotational role in the Premier League. This season he has made 25 appearances (17 starts), scoring just twice and providing one assist. Fans have grown increasingly frustrated at seeing the lively forward limited to cameos while the side battles for mid-table security under a revolving managerial door.

On social media, the reaction was immediate and emphatic. “Jesus has been crying out for games like this all season – give him the No.9 shirt in the Prem now!” tweeted one supporter. Another wrote: “7 goals in Europe, 2 in the league? Pereira, sort it out. He’s unplayable when given the platform.” Forest fan accounts flooded X with calls for Jesus to start against Liverpool on Sunday, arguing his movement would stretch Premier League defences in the same way it dismantled Fenerbahce.

Pereira, in his first game since replacing Sean Dyche, praised the entire squad’s “energy and courage” but singled out Jesus for his “special night.” The Portuguese coach hinted at squad rotation as Forest chase a last-16 spot in Europe while fighting to avoid a relegation scrap domestically.With the second leg at the City Ground in a fortnight, supporters hope Pereira recognises what many already see: Igor Jesus is ready to become a Premier League regular. If his Istanbul display is anything to go by, more starts could transform Forest’s attacking threat and ease the pressure on Gibbs-White and the forward line.

The Tricky Trees travel to Anfield this weekend knowing a result could lift spirits even higher – and many fans believe Jesus must be central to those plans.