AMSTERDAM – Nottingham Forest right back Eric Lichaj earned his paycheck for evening with a huge defensive showing in the team's 2-1 Championship victory over visiting title chasers Bournemouth.
On a night when the guests hogged 76% of the possession and grabbed the opener after just three minutes, the US international led all players in four significant stat categories as he buckled down to lead the defense. In all, Lichaj rung up a grand total of 10 clearances, five tackles, four pass interceptions and three cross blocks.
Lichaj did get overzealous with a rash 33rd minute challenge to earn his fourth yellow card of the season, which puts him one booking away from a suspension. He also completed 13 of a mere 17 passes, but still found occasions to drive the attack forward with seven forward connections into the final third.
As for the warming Reds, they held firm in ninth place by winning their third in a row at home and their fourth in five overall. Another win on Saturday's trip to face Daniel Williams and Reading could potentially cut their deficit in the promotion playoff race to single digits.
