Ange Postecoglou’s first match as Nottingham Forest head coach ended in a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Arsenal.
The Australian did not have much time to work with his new players after just a couple of days on the training pitch, but he’ll be frustrated with the scoreline.
Morato struggled immensely at left-back and Murillo was taken off in the first half due to injury, compounding the negatives from this game.
However, there was one big positive for Ange Postecoglou, as a new signing made his debut and seemingly impressed the Tricky Trees fanbase.
Those fans have now called for the player to start their next Premier League match against Burnley.
Nottingham Forest fans call for Dilane Bakwa to start next game
Dilane Bakwa was confirmed on deadline day, and fans have been eagerly waiting to see him in action.
The Frenchman made his debut against Arsenal coming on as a 60th minute substitute for Callum Hudson-Odoi, and fans have been reacting to his performance.
The overall consensus is the same among the fans, with one supporter saying, ‘Seen enough of Bakwa to know I want him as one of the first names on the team sheet before Callum Hudson-Odoi and Morgan Gibbs-White.’
Another fan said, ‘Bakwa has to start next game, absolutely quality on the ball!’
One supporter stated, ‘Bakwa should be starting going forward. Perfect Elanga replacement.’
With someone else saying, ‘Today was always going to be a tall order but it gives Ange a good look at some of the new lads. Bakwa & Ndoye both to start next week along with Kalimuendo.’
Another fan compared Bakwa to former Liverpool winger Luis Diaz saying, ‘I see Bakwa and I see little things from Lucho Díaz, with that way of dropping back to support the full-back and the dribbling that I saw in him excites me.’
The winger was one of few positives from a disappointing day, and he has certainly given Ange Postecoglou something to think about for their next few games.
Dilane Bakwa’s performance in numbers vs Arsenal
Despite being on for 30 minutes, Bakwa did not get on the ball much shown b, but when he did, his quality was clear.
One of his first actions in the game resulted in Riccardo Calafiori picking up a yellow card for a foul on the winger.
He made just seven passes, but all of them were accurate, as well as one pass into the final third.
He did attempt three crosses, with none of them being successful, although he did have Gabriel and Mosquera to thwart.
Overall, even with just the limited actions, Bakwa certainly made an impression, and Forest fans will be excited to watch him play again.
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