Alderete gives Sunderland victory at Forest

Ange Postecoglou's difficult start to life as Nottingham Forest head coach continued as Omar Alderete's first-half goal gave Sunderland victory at the City Ground.

The former Spurs boss, appointed on 9 September, has now lost three and drawn two of his first five games in charge, with Saturday's loss coming in his first home game with Forest.

But the hosts will feel aggrieved by the manner of Sunderland's winner - with the visitors awarded a free-kick when Nicolas Dominguez was penalised for simulation when he clashed with Trai Hume while attempting to clear.

Grant Xhaka sent the ball in from the set-piece and Alderete was there to direct it into the net.

Dan Ndoye came close to equalising just before the break with a deflected effort before Chris Wood headed over.

Elliot Anderson curled a shot just over the bar as Forest pushed for the leveller in the second half, while Robin Roefs - who has been excellent for Sunderland so far this season - saved well from Omari Hutchinson, Wood and a long-range Anderson effort.

But despite the pressure, Forest could not find a goal as promoted Sunderland's third win of the season moved them up to third in the table.

Forest, meanwhile, are 16th with just one win from their first six Premier League games.

Forest analysis: Postecoglou problems but some positives

There had been a mixed response among Forest fans to the bringing in of 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 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.

Sunderland analysis: Superb start continues

Sunderland fans happily stuck around long after the final whistle to celebrate a first away in the Premier League since 2017.

In the intervening eight years, they have dropped down to League One but have built themselves back up again and already look like they belong in the top flight just six games into their return.

They had to soak up a lot of pressure, particularly in a second half Forest dominated, but ultimately it was the ideal top-flight away performance as they dug in after taking the lead to secure another three points.

Granit Xhaka continued to prove what an astute acquisition he has been with a dominant display in midfield while in Roefs they have a goalkeeper who is time and again frustrating the opposition with some outstanding saves.

What next for these teams?

Nottinham Forest are back in Europa League action as they host FC Midtjylland on Thursday, 2 October (20:00 BST).

Sunderland, meanwhile, head to Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday, 4 October (15:00).