There’s no solving a problem like Emyr
EMYR Huws wasn’t known for his goalscoring before joining Huddersfield this summer, having netted just twice in his professional career.
But after his fourth in as many games earned the Terriers a point against Nottingham Forest on Thursday evening, boss Chris Powell insists the midfielder’s shooting prowess is no surprise.
Ryan Mendes’ first goal in a Forest shirt – a welltaken half-volley – had appeared to give the visitors all three points at the John Smith’s Stadium until Huws popped up with six minutes left, albeit thanks to a wicked deflection.
Before this season, the Welshman’s only previous goals came during a loan at Birmingham in early 2014 but while impressed with Huws, who is on a season-long loan from Wigan, Powell also credited other members of his squad.
“Emyr will get the plaudits, but Martin Cranie’s body earned us the point,” said Powell.
“Had he not stopped a shot on the line, we would have been two goals down and that would have been game over.
“I’ve always known about Emyr’s shooting prowess. If anyone saw his goal of the season contender for Birmingham at Middlesbrough, which came from about 45 yards out, they will too.
“We must remember he’s still working his way back.
“When a new player joins a club you want to make your mark early – and he's done that.”
While the manner of the equaliser may have been slightly fortunate, it was probably no less than Huddersfield deserved for a battling display.
The game’s first moment of genuine quality on 23 minutes had led to the opening goal when Cape Verde striker Mendes, on loan from Lille, half-volleyed Erich Lichaj’s header high into the net from 12 yards.
Forest should have put the game beyond doubt after the break but Chris Burke’s chip struck the post and Cranie brilliantly blocked Chris O’Grady’s follow-up.
Then, on 84 minutes, Huws’ 25-yard effort struck Jack Hobbs, looping over a helpless Dorus de Vries and bouncing over the line via the crossbar. But despite narrowly missing out on a third consecutive away win, Forest boss Dougie Freedman is convinced the points will soon come.
“At this moment, we are not getting the points we deserve,” he said.
“I am pleased with the effort – the players are getting behind each other.
“We are talking about fine margins, when you look at hitting the post and not scoring penalties.
“But as a coach I feel as though we are on the right track.
“As long as we continue what we are doing, we will get the points we deserve in the long-run.”