Analysis: Postecoglou problems but some positivespublished at 21:56 BST 27 September
21:56 BST 27 September
Gary Rose BBC Sport journalist at the City Ground
Image source, AFP via Getty Images
There had been a mixed response among Forest fans to the bringing in of Ange Postecoglou as Nuno Espirito Santo's successor.
The Australian coach led Spurs to Europa League triumph in May but their Premier League form last season was awful as they finished just one place above the relegation zone.
A quirk of the fixture list meant that Postecoglou's first four games at Forest were all away. But while he failed to win any of them, that run did include a loss at last season's runners-up Arsenal and a draw at Burnley, who boasted an incredible defensive record last season on their way to promotion back to the Premier League.
The only real disappointment will have been the Carabao Cup defeat to Swansea - and they will be at a loss as to how they didn't get anything from this game.
In the second half, they created chance after chance but either found Robin Roefs in inspired form, or could not get their shots on target.
Five games without a victory is undoubtedly a poor start to any head coach's career but there have been some signs of encouragement that the results will start to come.
Analysis: Postecoglou has problems to solve but some positivespublished at 20:38 BST 27 September
20:38 BST 27 September
Gary Rose BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
There had been a mixed response among Nottingham Forest fans to the bringing in of Ange Postecoglou as Nuno Espirito Santo's successor.
The Australian coach led Tottenham to Europa League triumph in May but their Premier League form last season was awful, as they finished just one place above the relegation zone.
A quirk of the fixture list meant that Postecoglou's first four games at Forest were all away. But, while he failed to win any of them, that run did include a loss at last season's runners-up Arsenal and a draw at Burnley, who boasted an incredible defensive record last season on their way to promotion back to the Premier League.
The only real disappointment will have been the Carabao Cup defeat to Swansea - and they will be at a loss as to how they didn't get anything from this game.
In the second half, they created chance after chance, but either found goalkeeper Robin Roefs in inspired form or could not get their shots on target.
Five games without a victory is undoubtedly a poor start to any head coach's career, but there have been some signs of encouragement that the results will start to come.
Nottingham Forest 0-1 Sunderland: What Postecoglou and Williams saidpublished at 20:19 BST 27 September
20:19 BST 27 September
Media caption,
Nottingham Forest boss Ange Postecoglou spoke to BBC Match of the Day after defeat in his first Premier League home game in charge of the Reds: "It was one of those evenings where we should've got the outcome we wanted. We had enough chances to certainly win the game.
"We conceded a really poor goal, albeit from a poor decision from the official, but after that we had enough chances to win the game. We are in a cycle at the moment where we are getting every outcome out of the game except the win - and that is the most important thing."
On Chris Wood's missed chances: "There are others as well. We need to take those chances because ultimately you pay a price in games that you should be winning comfortably."
On why they are struggling to score: "It's hard to say, but we don't really have the luxury of time to analyse that. We have the foundation to win games of football but we aren't and we need to change that.
"The fans have got every right to be disappointed. They want to see their team win. I understand their disappointment, it's certainly shared by us in the dressing room and by me. My job is to rectify that."
Defender Neco Williams also spoke to Sky Sports after the match: "It's a tough one to take. It was a game where we just didn't finish off our chances. We created many chances but just couldn't put it to bed.
"We should have defended the free-kick better but, at the same time, I've never seen a referee give one of those free-kicks before in all my time of playing football. There was contact, so he got it wrong, and for the goal I was held back. He had two arms around my waist and that played a key factor in their goal. It is two poor decisions, especially by the referee and then the people on VAR.
"We kept going until the end. They didn't create many chances, we created many but the end product just wasn't there. We couldn't put our finishes to bed so it was just one of those games.
"We are working hard in training. We are still learning the style of the manager and, as soon as it clicks, we'll be good to go. We will get there but it's just about getting that first win."
Did you know?
Since the start of 2023-24, sides managed by Ange Postecoglou have conceded more Premier League goals from set pieces (34) than any other manager (Gary O'Neil closest on 26).
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Crystal Palace v Liverpool" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Nottingham Forest v Sunderland", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: Nottingham Forest v Sunderlandpublished at 11:12 BST 27 September
11:12 BST 27 September
A lot has been made of how new Nottingham Forest boss Ange Postecoglou is still waiting for his first win, and he has got another tough game on his hands here.
I was so impressed by Sunderland's display with 10 men in last weekend's draw with Aston Villa. They were superbly organised.
The Black Cats are without injured midfielder Habib Diarra but they will still be difficult to break down and will fancy their chances of extending their four-game unbeaten run.
Based on form, they should probably get something from this but I am going against the grain here, and I am going to say Big Ange will get over the line and get the result he wants.
Postecoglou ready to earn the love and trust of Forest fanspublished at 10:51 BST 27 September
10:51 BST 27 September
Nick Mashiter Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Ange Postecoglou replaced Nuno Espirito Santo earlier this month
Boss Ange Postecoglou is ready to take his relationship with Nottingham Forest fans to the next level.
The head coach heads into his first home game in charge against Sunderland on Saturday.
Four winless away games, including draws at Burnley and Real Betis, have opened his reign at Forest, despite progress in the way he wants them to play.
Forest now have four home games in their next five outings - including Thursday's Europa League visit of Midtjylland - with Postcoglou aiming to strengthen his bond with supporters.
"It's like the beginning of any relationship - you get to know one another," he said.
"Sometimes it's love at first sight. The sense is this isn't one of those cases - but that's OK. It doesn't mean you can't have a long relationship.
"I've always felt I prefer these things to grow because I think sometimes it's also a little bit false if there's too much of this 'love the manager from day one'.
"You need to earn the love, support and trust of your supporters. That's my role and what hopefully I'll do over the coming period.
"With the fans, I've always had the same wherever I've been.
"It's about me earning the respect and the trust. The only way I can do that is with my work.
"I don't think there are any supporters out there that don't want their team to do well. I'm sure all the supporters coming want us to win and they want to get behind the team - and, in turn, get behind me, but I don't take that for granted."