AliousAnge Postecoglou fumes at “absolute howler” as Forest’s winless run stretches on after Sunderland setback
Ange Postecoglou’s frustrating start at Nottingham Forest continued as a controversial refereeing decision and a poorly defended set piece condemned his side to defeat against Sunderland.
The Australian, still searching for his first win after five games in charge, was left furious at referee Tony Harrington’s call to award a free kick for alleged simulation by Nico Dominguez. From that set piece, Granit Xhaka delivered a pinpoint ball that found Omar Alderete unmarked for a 38th-minute header, leaving Postecoglou seething.
Postecoglou labelled the decision “an absolute howler” but admitted Forest only had themselves to blame for failing to convert their numerous chances. “We conceded a really poor goal, albeit from a poor decision, but we had enough chances to win comfortably,” he said.
Forest defender Neco Williams echoed his manager’s anger at the referee and VAR, saying Alderete’s goal was aided by a clear foul that went unpunished. “I was held back with two arms around my waist — it’s a shocking decision,” he claimed, though he also admitted the team could have defended better.
Despite dominating large spells of the game, Forest squandered several golden opportunities, with Chris Wood missing a close-range header in the dying minutes that left Postecoglou on his knees. The Australian, however, refused to single out the striker for blame, instead pointing to a recurring issue: “We need to take those chances. You pay the price in games you should be winning.”
Forest have now scored just once in three Premier League outings under their new boss, leaving Postecoglou searching for answers. “We don’t have the luxury of time — we need to change that quickly,” he admitted.
The pressure on the new manager is mounting as Forest turn to Europe, with a Europa League clash against Midtjylland on Friday before a tough Premier League trip to Newcastle.
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