Sunderland continued their impressive Premier League return with a gritty 1–0 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, climbing to third in the table and extending Ange Postecoglou’s winless start to five matches.
⚽ Alderete’s Controversial Winner
The match’s lone goal came in the 38th minute, when Omar Alderete headed home a Granit Xhaka free-kick. The set piece itself was clouded in controversy—Forest midfielder Nicolás Domínguez was booked for simulation after a collision with Trai Hume, despite replays suggesting contact. Forest players protested, but the referee stood firm, and Alderete capitalized on the moment.
🧠 Tactical Breakdown
Forest dominated possession (65%) and registered 22 shots, but failed to convert. Postecoglou’s side showed attacking intent, especially in the second half, with substitutes Omari Hutchinson, Igor Jesus, and Elliot Anderson injecting energy. Yet Robin Roefs, Sunderland’s inspired goalkeeper, stood tall—earning Man of the Match honors.
Chris Wood missed Forest’s best chance late on, heading wide from six yards with the goal gaping. Postecoglou dropped to his knees in disbelief, as another opportunity slipped away.
📉 Historical Low
Postecoglou became the first permanent Forest manager since the 19th century to go winless in his first five games. The Australian, who replaced Nuno Espirito Santo, is under growing pressure as Forest sit 16th in the table, with tough fixtures against Midtjylland, Newcastle, and Chelsea looming.
“It’s frustrating and disappointing,” Postecoglou said. “We have to win games of football. That’s why we play the way I want us to. It’s up to me now to unlock that last bit so we can turn that dominance into wins”.
🔼 Sunderland’s Rise
Manager Régis Le Bris has quietly built a resilient side. This was Sunderland’s first away league win since May 2017, and their third clean sheet in six games. With a £180m summer spend and a well-drilled squad, they’re defying the trend of newly promoted teams struggling to adapt.
“We cannot afford to be complacent,” Le Bris said. “To be competitive, we have to break something—otherwise the same trend will come”.
📊 Key Stats
Forest: 22 shots, 0 goals
Sunderland: 1 shot on target, 1 goal
Possession: Forest 65% – Sunderland 35%
Man of the Match: Robin Roefs
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