Nottingham Forest’s relegation worries deepened with a 2-1 defeat to Brighton at the AMEX Stadium — and Glenn Murray did not hold back in his assessment of Murillo’s performance.

Vítor Pereira’s side have now suffered back-to-back Premier League defeats, and while the problems run deeper than one individual, Murray singled out the Brazilian defender for a display he described as “sloppy” both in and out of possession.

A Costly Lack of Concentration

Forest had battled back into the contest thanks to a stunning long-range strike from Morgan Gibbs-White. The equaliser briefly lifted belief and shifted momentum.

But within 40 seconds, the Reds were behind again.

Danny Welbeck restored Brighton’s lead after hesitant defending, and Murillo was among those criticised for failing to close down the danger quickly enough. For a player who has built a reputation as one of Forest’s most dependable performers, it was an uncharacteristically uncertain showing.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Murray remarked that Murillo “certainly hasn’t been the player we’ve grown to know since he came in.” It was a pointed observation — and one that reflects growing concerns about Forest’s defensive fragility.

Bigger Problems Than One Player

Murillo was not alone in underperforming.

Neco Williams endured a torrid afternoon, culpable in the build-up to both Brighton goals. Ibrahim Sangare looked off the pace, while Forest’s attack — outside of Gibbs-White’s brilliance — struggled to create sustained pressure.

Still, when margins are fine, defensive lapses prove decisive.

Pereira’s team once again showed a worrying trait: conceding almost immediately after scoring. That inability to manage key moments is becoming a defining weakness.

Pereira’s Growing Challenge

When Pereira arrived at the City Ground, he inherited a squad short on confidence and cutting edge. The defeat at Brighton offered another stark reminder of the task at hand.

Forest remain locked in a tense battle near the foot of the table, and with Manchester City up next, the margin for error shrinks further.

Murillo, heavily linked with interest from elsewhere in the Premier League, is one of the players Forest rely on most. If he is below his usual level, the entire defensive structure weakens.

Time to Reset

The Brazilian has shown throughout the campaign that he possesses composure, athleticism and leadership beyond his years. One poor display does not erase that.

But with survival on the line, there is little room for repeat mistakes.

Forest need their key men to lead from the front — and at the back. If Pereira is to steady the ship, sharper concentration and greater resilience will be non-negotiable.

Glenn Murray’s criticism may have been blunt, but the message is clear: Forest cannot afford sloppiness — especially from their most important defenders.