Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche launched a furious post-match assessment of his players after their dramatic FA Cup third-round exit to Wrexham, branding the first-half performance as “completely unacceptable” and calling on certain individuals to “have a look in the mirror.”

Forest became the first Premier League side eliminated from this season’s FA Cup, falling to Championship opposition after a chaotic night at the Stok Cae Ras, where Wrexham prevailed 4–3 on penalties following a thrilling 3–3 draw after extra time.

Dyche Furious After First-Half Collapse

Dyche made eight changes from the Forest side that beat West Ham in the Premier League earlier in the week, but the gamble backfired badly as his team went into half-time 2–0 down.

“The first half was completely unacceptable,” Dyche told TNT Sports.
“I let the players know and there are certain individuals that certainly know — they have to look in the mirror.”

The Forest boss stressed that the display went beyond tactical issues and struck at the heart of the club’s identity.

“You can’t do that in the first half. It’s unacceptable to me, but more importantly it’s unacceptable to the badge,” Dyche added.

Second-Half Fightback Comes Too Late

Forest showed a very different face after the break, with substitutes — including Callum Hudson-Odoi, who scored twice — acting as a “catalyst” for a dramatic comeback.

They eventually hauled themselves back into the contest, forcing extra time and penalties, but spot-kick misses from Igor Jesus and Omari Hutchinson proved decisive as Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo emerged as the hero.

Despite the spirited response, Dyche made it clear the damage had already been done.

“I could have taken all of them off at half-time,” he said.
“The tempo, the mentality, the intent — it just wasn’t there. Slow, methodical, no real desire to make a difference.”

Selection Consequences Loom for Forest Players

Dyche suggested the defeat will have serious consequences for squad selection going forward, particularly for those who started the match.

“They all knock on the door and say, ‘Why aren’t I playing?’” he said.
“Well, the evidence is quite honestly there for some — not for all.”

He added bluntly:
“They showed their hand and won’t be knocking on my door again after that first-half performance.”

Defensive Concerns Add to Forest Woes

The three goals conceded against Wrexham mean Forest have now shipped 46 goals in all competitions this season, with only bottom club Wolves conceding more among Premier League teams.

Forest currently sit 17th in the Premier League, seven points clear of the relegation zone, and Dyche admitted their focus must now switch fully to survival.

“It’s back to the drawing board,” he said, following what he described as an evening to forget in north Wales.

Pundits Echo Dyche’s Criticism

Former Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, was equally critical of Forest’s opening display.

“Forest were nowhere near good enough in the first half,” Morrison said.
“If they’d played the whole game like they did in the second, they’d have won convincingly — but full credit must go to Wrexham.”

Meanwhile, ex-Liverpool and Real Madrid winger Steve McManaman highlighted Dyche’s frustration at having to rely on senior players to rescue the tie.

“The first 45 minutes, they may as well have not turned up,” McManaman said on TNT Sports.
“Sean Dyche trusted some of those players and they didn’t deliver. Going to extra time is the last thing he wanted — he’ll be furious in that dressing room.”

Wrexham March On as Forest Regroup

While the night belonged to Wrexham and their remarkable rise under high-profile ownership, Forest leave the FA Cup chastened, bruised, and facing uncomfortable questions.

For Dyche, the message was clear: effort, intensity, and respect for the shirt are non-negotiable — and some players have now played themselves out of contention.