Ange Postecoglou’s first game as Nottingham Forest manager saw a familiar tale, as the Reds lost 3-0 at The Emirates against Arsenal. George Edwards was at the match
© George Edwards
While Ange Postecoglou’s debut as Nottingham Forest manager didn’t go how he’d have liked, in a way, he was handed the perfect first game.
Forest weren’t expected to beat Arsenal, and little change was expected of them this early into the Australian’s tenure. Had Forest been at home, or against a less formidable opponent, then the expectation would have been for them to come out fit and firing, with Ange-ball on full display, and anything less would have been a disappointment.
But as it was, Forest fell in a familiar tale of resignation at the hands of Arsenal, 3-0 the final score meaning an aggregate score of 13-1 from Forest’s four visits to N7 since promotion.
Same old story at the Emirates again
The Emirates is a place, perhaps the only place since promotion, where Forest just do not get a kick, and despite the recent transfer activity and the overall positive direction the football club is heading, very few expected anything other than a home win.
At home, the Gunners have an ability to stifle Forest and control the game exactly how they desire. They build pressure over time with the ball and with set pieces, never allowing Forest to get into their flow or have a breather.
Forest made the same mistakes they always seem to against Mikel Arteta’s side. They conceded a goal from a set piece to break the deadlock and then a goal early in the second half to diminish any sort of hope that they could get anything from the game, all themes of past failures.
However, despite the wilting performance and back-to-back 3-0 defeats, losing to Arsenal won’t define Forest’s season – but their reaction to defeat will.
Ange’s tactical tweaks evident early on
We are all expecting change with Forest’s man from Down Under in place, but it was never likely to come in this game, with the manager having a handful of training sessions to implement his tweaks ahead of the match – Forest also aware that any indecision or naivety would be punished by one of the league’s premier opponents.
The high pressing associated with Ange didn’t really come, and neither did the man-to-man defending, but Forest did seem higher up the field out of possession compared to how they may have set up under Nuno.
That helped early on. In previous years, Forest sat on the edge of their box and allowed Arsenal possession deep inside the attacking half, meaning the Reds had no escape from Arsenal’s relentless style. Being 15 yards further forward compacted the pitch and forced them to be inventive, but ultimately Arsenal’s quality shone through by the end, and Forest were forced back.
Furthermore, Ange’s use of the bench demonstrated Forest’s new strength in depth, making substitutes early and giving them time to make an impact, something his predecessor failed to do as his tenure drew to a close.
The game was set in stone at this point, but Arnaud Kalimuendo and Dilane Bakwa’s contributions were positive and offered optimism, while Nicola Savona’s debut was solid and his introduction brought more balance, despite the defensive misjudgement that led to Arsenal’s second goal.
Ange stated post-match that the changes he intends to make will be seen as early as Wednesday, with a much-changed squad expected alongside the differences in style the manager has suggested are imminent.
Injuries potentially mounting, but a familiar tale for Ange
One of the biggest factors of Forest’s successes under Nuno was the lack of key injuries to first-team players, given the smaller size of their squad. Ibrahim Sangare was the only notable absentee throughout last season, and the likes of Ola Aina and Chris Wood only spent weeks on the sidelines, rather than months.
So, it was just Ange Postecoglou’s luck that no sooner was he appointed, he lost his first choice right-back – Ola Aina – to a long-term hamstring injury whilst he wasn’t even playing for the club.
As mentioned, during the match in North London, Murillo hobbled off after 35 minutes, a player who often looks heavy on his feet and like he’s one step away from pulling up.
Reassuring news has surfaced post-match that his injury may not be as bad as first feared, but after a season plagued by injuries last season in the Tottenham dugout, Ange’s first week has been a rather unwelcome reminder of the challenges of Premier League football.
With or without Murillo, Forest’s squad is far better equipped to deal with injuries than it was last season; however, many of that squad are new to the league, working with a manager that is new to his club.
But Ange has navigated injury crises before. He’s navigated European football successfully before. And while he may not have been many supporters’ first, second or even third choice replacement, his experiences in situations Forest haven’t yet faced may prove crucial in their pursuit of success.
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