Ange Postecoglou’s first win as Nottingham Forest head coach continues following after a 1-0 loss to Sunderland.
Postecoglou made five changes to his starting XI after their midweek match against Real Betis, with Nicolas Dominguez starting his first game since returning from injury.
The Argentine was part of a key moment for the only goal of the game.
A controversial decision to give Sunderland a free kick for a Dominguez ‘dive’ led to Sunderland taking the lead in the first half through Omar Alderete.
The first half was far from a performance the Australian would have wanted, but after some good substitutions, the tempo picked up.
Nonetheless, it was not enough to overturn the one-goal deficit
Nottingham Forest player ratings vs Sunderland
Nottingham Forest News have issued player ratings from the Reds’ 1-0 loss to Sunderland.
Mats Selz – 5
It was a good run by Alderete and a well worked set-piece but the Belgian will be disappointed he let that goal in after it went straight at him.
Neco Williams – 6
Got forward well, created plenty of chances, but could have been stronger in his 1v1 battles throughout the game.
Morato – 7
Proving to be a capable backup option, and could make a case to start going forward. Wasn’t troubled too often, with most of Sunderland’s best chances coming from set pieces. Not fantastic but solid.
Nikola Milenkovic – 7
Like his centre-back partner, the Serbian was not an outstanding performer, but he did well when progressing the ball throughout the match.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 6
Picked up some nice central positions that helped Nottingham Forest maintain pressure and possession, particularly in the final half an hour, but could have kept the ball ticking quicker at times.
Nicolas Dominguez – 6
Subbed off at half-time, likely due to numerous reasons, including only returning from injury, being on a yellow card and Forest chasing a goal. Kept the ball well but was occasionally rash in his tackles. Should not have been given a yellow card for simulation before the opening goal.
Elliot Anderson – 6
Not a vintage Elliot Anderson display, but his quality is so clear to see even when he is not at his best. Perhaps the European travel midweek caught up to him against Sunderland.
Dilane Bakwa – 5
Bakwa had some lively moments but perhaps needs to learn to release the ball sooner, as he gave it away with countless unsuccessful dribbles. His talent is clear even if this wasn’t his best showing.
James McAtee – 4
McAtee was handed his first Nottingham Forest start, and in truth, he was quite invisible on the pitch. The Englishman struggled to make an impact in the final third
Dan Ndoye – 5
Ndoye had some bright moments but often went down without any real contact during challenges. Like most of the Forest starting XI, didn’t offer much going forward against Sunderland.
Chris Wood – 5
Wasn’t offered much service in terms of quality chances until Hutchinson came on. Missed a couple of headers you’d have expected him to score last season.
Substitutes
Morgan Gibbs-White – 5
Has yet to hit form this season, and it appears that will continue after an average display off the bench. Was given 45 minutes to change the game and failed in that task.
Igor Jesus – 6
His impact was minimal after coming on, but he directed an excellent header that forced a good stop from Roefs with 74 minutes played.
Callum Hudson-Odoi – 6
Didn’t quite impact the game as Postecoglou would have liked and struggled to cause any real problems for the Sunderland defence.
Omari Hutchinson – 8
Instantly impacted the game with his work-rate and Forest finally started to create quality chances with him on the pitch. Delivered an incredible cross to Wood on the 80th minute, which should have resulted in a goal and an assist for the winger.
Arnaud Kalimuendo – N/A
Played the final minute plus added time.
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