Ange Postecoglou was forced to make his first major decision in his team selection against Arsenal as Ola Aina was ruled out for three months.
The Nigerian has been a staple in the Forest backline over the last few years, with Neco Williams covering the left side of defence.
However, with Aina ruled out, Williams was pushed back over to his favoured right side, and that left Ange Postecoglou with a team selection headache.
The Australian decided to start Brazilian defender Morato at left-back, and fans are not happy with the decision.
Nottingham Forest fans not happy with Morato at left-back
Nottingham Forest fans have taken to social media to react to Morato at left-back.
The Brazilian, who is typically a centre-back, had to face up against Noni Madueke, and it did not go well in the eyes of the Garibaldi supporters.
One fan said, ‘As we all know, Morato is the weak link in defence. Most of the crosses came from the right. Hopefully Ange will do something about it before it isn’t too late.’
Another simply said, ‘To absolutely nobody’s surprise, Morato is getting torn apart.’
Multiple Forest fans wanted the defender subbed off at half-time as one stated, ‘Seen enough Ange… need to hook Morato fast.’
Meanwhile another said, ‘Get Morato off now, he’ll cost us this game.’
One supporter offered a potential solution, saying ‘Morato looking awful so far. Get Neco Williams back to left back and put Ndoye right-back, please.’
While another says, ‘Morato looks out of his depth.’
While Nottingham Forest fans are not happy with Morato’s performance, there might be a sense of sympathy for Postecoglou based on the options he had at his disposal.
Ange Postecoglou did not have much choice at left-back
Unfortunately for Postecoglou, he did not have much choice at left-back.
Oleksandr Zinchenko is unavailable, as his move to Nottingham Forest was a loan deal meaning he cannot feature against his parent club Arsenal.
Although, the Ukrainian could eventually become crucial for Ange Postecoglou throughout the season.
Nicolo Savona has just recovered from an injury, so it is not clear how match-fit the Italian is. Additionally, Eric da Silva Moreira and Omar Richards have both left the club on loan.
In reality, Morato was the only defensive option that could be used in that position even though it was not the player’s natural role.
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