Nottingham Forest’s winless run under Ange Postecoglou continued as Sunderland snatched a 1-0 victory at the City Ground, courtesy of Omar Alderete’s first-half header. The defeat makes it five games without a win for the Australian coach, the club’s worst managerial start in over 75 years.
The decisive moment came in the 38th minute. A teasing free-kick into the Forest box was met by Alderete, who powered his header beyond Matz Sels. VAR checked for offside, but the goal stood. Forest players and fans were left furious, believing Nicolas Dominguez had been fouled in the build-up before being controversially booked for simulation. Sunderland capitalised, and Forest never recovered.
Forest’s frustrations grow
At half-time, boos rang out as Forest trailed despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession. Postecoglou’s side attempted to raise the tempo after the break, but once again they lacked a cutting edge. Morgan Gibbs-White struggled to influence proceedings, and the players appeared leggy following Thursday’s Europa tie against Real Betis.
Omari Hutchinson provided some spark, winning possession in dangerous areas and creating chances for Igor Jesus, whose header and shot were both saved by Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs. Elliot Anderson also forced a low save, as the visitors held firm under increasing pressure.
The biggest chance came in the 80th minute when Woods rose unmarked in the box but headed wide. It summed up Forest’s afternoon: plenty of endeavour, no reward.
Match stats: Nottingham Forest vs Sunderland
Stat | Nottingham Forest | Sunderland |
---|---|---|
Possession | 65% | 35% |
Expected Goals (xG) | 1.61 | 0.91 |
Total Shots | 21 | 10 |
Shots on Target | 7 | 3 |
Goalkeeper Saves | 1 | 6 |
Corners | 7 | 4 |
Fouls | 11 | 6 |
Passes | 533 | 290 |
Tackles | 15 | 10 |
source: sofascore match data – 27 September 2025
The numbers told a frustrating story for Forest: more possession, more shots, and a higher xG, but Sunderland were clinical with their rare chances and Roefs made six crucial saves.
Postecoglou’s unwanted record
This result piles pressure on Postecoglou, who has now gone five games without a win to start his reign. He is the first Forest manager since Harry Hallam in 1897 to fail to win any of his opening five games. The discontent among supporters was clear, with the City Ground restless as the final whistle blew.
Analyst verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William described the performance as “toothless despite possession.” He said: “Forest had control of the ball but no cutting edge. The lack of impact from Gibbs-White and missed chances from Woods show where the problems lie. Sunderland exploited one key moment and defended brilliantly afterwards.”
William added: “For Postecoglou, the concern is not just results but the lack of belief when chasing games. Forest have quality but need urgency and composure. Without that, the pressure will only increase.”
Key insights
- Omar Alderete scored Sunderland’s winner from a contentious free-kick.
- Forest dominated possession (65%) and shots (21 to 10) but lacked finishing.
- Robin Roefs made six saves to deny Forest a route back.
- Ange Postecoglou becomes first Forest boss since 1897 to start with five winless games.
- City Ground crowd restless as frustrations mount.
What’s next for Nottingham Forest and Sunderland?
Forest’s next fixtures will be crucial as Postecoglou looks for his first win. With the Europa League group stage ongoing, squad rotation will be tested, but the Australian urgently needs a result in the Premier League to calm nerves.
For Sunderland, this was a statement win. Organised, disciplined, and ruthless in front of goal, they showed resilience to frustrate Forest. If they can maintain this form, a push into the top half of the table is realistic.
👉 Is Ange Postecoglou already under pressure at Nottingham Forest after four winless games?
2 Comments (last comment by JamesLove)
First read message
By JamesLove 27 Sep 2025 19:31
Woods should have scored.. what’s going on with Forest.. Ange is in big troubles with that owner he won’t make it until Christmas..
By Adem 27 Sep 2025 19:28
Black cats 3th in the table, are you having a laugh...
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