Omar Alderetes’ first-half header helped Sunderland clinch their first away win of the season with a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest. The defeat left Postecoglou still waiting for his first success since taking over as Forest boss.
Forest are now without a win since the opening day, while Sunderland’s manager Regis Le Bris saw his side climb into the Champions League places with their third win of the campaign.
The first half lacked real quality, but a contentious moment allowed Sunderland to make the decisive breakthrough. Alderetes notched his first goal for the club after Nicolas Dominguez was booked for a debatable simulation decision outside his own area.
Forest failed to have a shot on target in the first half, but the second half told a completely different story. Black Cats goalkeeper Robin Roefs made six crucial saves to ensure Sunderland picked up the three points.
Postecoglou has yet to deliver a win in his opening five games, and a return to their home patch resulted in Forest’s third loss of the campaign. Although the Australian coach may feel hard done by after this one.
Morgan Gibbs-White was the most notable absentee from Forest’s starting XI, dropping to the bench as James McAtee made his second start for the club.
Sunderland should have been ahead in the ninth minute when Dominguez relinquished possession inside his own penalty box. This mistake presented a glorious chance for Wilson Isidor, whose snapshot went marginally the wrong side of the post.
The visitors eventually hit the front in the 37th minute under controversial circumstances. Referee Tony Harrington awarded a free-kick in a dangerous area for Sunderland after deciding Dominguez dived during a challenge with Trai Hume as he tried to clear the ball.
Forest were still questioning the referee’s decision when Sunderland pounced immediately from the resulting set-piece. Granit Xhaka lifted a free-kick around the back for Paraguay international Alderete to nod the first shot on target of the contest past goalkeeper Matz Sels.
Sunderland came flying out of the traps after the interval, with Arthur Masuaku and Chris Rigg having opportunities to double their lead.
Postecoglou rang the changes, bringing on Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Igor Jesus in an attempt to spark his team’s attack. The trio made an instant impact off the bench.
Gibbs-White attempted an acrobatic effort, and moments later Hudson-Odoi teed up Elliot Anderson for a shot that forced Roefs into action. Dilane Bakwa was next to drill a shot at Roefs, but Sunderland remained dangerous on the counterattack.
Forest’s goalkeeper Sels had to stay alert to keep out Bertrand Traore a minute later. Roefs was proving to be the difference as Forest pinned the Black Cats deeper into their own half. The Dutch goalkeeper was on hand to stop Anderson, Igor Jesus, and Omari Hutchinson within minutes.
The hosts’ best chance came with 10 minutes to go when Gibbs-White whipped in a ball to an unmarked Chris Wood, who headed wide.
Ultimately, Sunderland held on for their hard-fought 1-0 victory, securing their first away win of the season and adding pressure on Forest as they continue to search for their first win under Postecoglou.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/ange-postecoglous-first-home-game-as-forest-boss-ends-in-loss-to-sunderland-1811971.html
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