Nottingham Forest got the Ange Postecoglou era off to a bad start as Arsenal won 3-0 against the Reds without ever really getting out of second gear.
Martin Zubimendi scored twice, with Viktor Gyokeres’ goal just after half-time pretty much ending the game as a contest between the two teams.
Murillo went off injured after 37 minutes at the Emirates Stadium and he is very doubtful for Wednesday’s game in the Carabao Cup against Swansea City.
Arsenal fans chanted some abuse at Postecoglou during the game due to his Tottenham ties and the new Forest head coach has more questions than answers after his maiden game in charge.
Ally McCoist hailed Forest star Elliot Anderson during commentary, and after the game, the midfielder fronted up to the media.
Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest and Martin Zubimendi of Arsenal in action
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Elliot Anderson shares what Ange Postecoglou said after Forest lost to Arsenal
This was a tough loss, but in total fairness, even last season when Forest were in fine form under Nuno Espirito Santo, a 3-0 scoreline was on the cards away at Arsenal.
Anderson has shared the rousing speech that Postecoglou gave after the game, and he’s asked the players to trust him a little bit in the wake of Espirito Santo being sacked.
The midfielder told TNT Sports: “Disappointing, I think, losing 3-0 is tough to take.
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“But it’s the first game under the new manager, and there are a few positives to build on. We only had one session together, so it was tough to put things into the game, but I’m sure more will come.
“[Ange Postecoglou] said in the changing room just to trust him and we’ll get back on the training ground and look at things, ideas we can improve on – we’re all focused.
“We’ve got the players in the changing room to do what he wants to do, so we all just need to believe in it, put things into practice, and we’re positive it’ll pay off.”
Anderson stats vs Arsenal
Ultimately, a game against a struggling Championship team should be perfect for Forest when it comes to making some changes and unleashing the sort of football that Postecoglou likes to play.
The Reds have to get back to winning ways after three Premier League matches, where Forest have looked largely drab and played pretty poorly.
Elliot Anderson Stats vs Arsenal Total
Minutes 90
Pass Accuracy 87.3%
Tackles Won 2
Fouls 2
Fouled 3
Elliot Anderson stats vs Arsenal
Anderson was once again a bit of a shining light for the Reds yesterday at the Emirates Stadium, but perhaps some of the other star players are now in need of a bit of a rocket.
That will come in the way of them losing their places in the side and when Forest go to Swansea on Wednesday, there might just be a few changes to a team that still includes Anderson.