Ange Postecoglou’s tenure at Nottingham Forest started with a difficult trip to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal, with all eyes on the new Reds head coach.
After Nuno Espírito Santo was sacked by Forest, Postecoglou was identified as Evangelos Marinakis’ dream appointment as the Reds look to become a more expansive side.
It couldn’t have been a more difficult start for the Australian, though, with an away clash against Arsenal one of the most difficult assignments in the Premier League.
Arsenal fans mocked Postecoglou as the Reds lost 3-0 on the day. Away from the result, though, there was plenty for the Forest fans to learn about their new head coach.
Ange Postecoglou on the sideline as Nottingham Forest manager
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What we learned about Ange Postecoglou in Arsenal defeat
Ange Postecoglou will love Elliot Anderson
Fresh off Anderson’s brilliant international break with England, the midfielder was at the heart of Postecoglou’s side, where he shone as always.
The new head coach wants his midfielders to press and Anderson took the task on brilliantly, while also moving the ball quickly with his passing.
Perhaps even more importantly, though, he was happy to help cover out on the left when Morato was struggling against Noni Madueke in the first half.
Nottingham Forest will play quickly in midfield
With Anderson the key once more, the Reds were noticeably quicker on the ball in the centre of the park, looking to fire the ball into the front three.
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It was certainly risky at times, with Anderson in particular giving the ball away several times when trying to find Chris Wood.
This new emphasis on speed in midfield will be something that will be worked on over the coming weeks by Postecoglou, with the midfield and attack needing to be in sync to pull it off.
Ange Postecoglou will be braver with his substitutes
Perhaps the biggest criticism of Espírito Santo in the opening weeks of the season was his reluctance to give minutes to the Reds’ new signings, something that Postecoglou doesn’t seem to be afraid of.
On the hour mark, Postecoglou introduced both Arnaud Kalimuendo and Dilane Bakwa, but crucially, they replaced established stars in Callum Hudson-Odoi and Wood.
With Postecoglou’s style requiring his new squad to almost forget what they’ve learned from Espírito Santo, it’ll be crucial for the Australian to not favour Nuno’s favourites.
Ibrahim Sangare chasing Ethan Nwaneri in midfield.
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Ibrahim Sangare may struggle in Postecoglou’s system
Ibrahim Sangare partnered Anderson in midfield and while the Englishman showed he can cope with the speed in midfield, Sangare had a more difficult afternoon.
The Ivorian midfielder gave possession away three times in the heart of the Reds’ midfield and looked off the pace throughout as Forest failed to contain Arsenal’s central trio.
Sangare’s composure has been impressive this season, but if Postecoglou is to demand a higher tempo, he may not be his go-to option.
Ange Postecoglou will still exploit Forest’s wide talents
In the attack, the Reds didn’t show the levels that Postecoglou would’ve liked to see, but the brightest moments did come from the wide areas.
Dan Ndoye attempted five crosses in the game and looked capable of running in behind whenever he was found down the right side, while Hudson-Odoi should’ve done better when the ball broke to him in the box.
Espírito Santo certainly got the best out of his wingers last season, and given the investment in the wide areas in the summer, it was good to see that Postecoglou will also look to exploit their strengths.