Hudson-Odoi ruined - Three key decisions Ange Postecoglou got badly wrong vs Sunderland
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(Credit: Imago)
Ben Palmer
Sat 27 September 2025 19:54, UK
Ange Postecoglou’s winless run since taking charge of Nottingham Forest continued against Sunderland.
Whilst West Ham’s players and fans will be elated to have hired Nuno Espirito Santo, frustration is beginning to build just three weeks into Postecoglou’s reign at Nottingham Forest.
The Australian boss’ front-footed approach never seemed like the ideal fit, especially without a transfer window to build into his vision of how his side should set up.
Forest slumped to defeat against Sunderland on 27 September at the City Ground, further compounding the issues that have faced Postecoglou during his short spell in Nottingham.
Ange Postecoglou is yet to claim a victory since arriving at the City Ground.
(Credit Imago)
Igor Jesus hit the ground running for Nottingham Forest by scoring two goals on his European debut for the club in the 2-2 draw with Real Betis.
The Brazilian striker is a different kind of striker from Chris Wood, offering much more movement in attacking areas.
Chris Wood has struggled for Nottingham Forest this season.
(Credit Imago)
But the decision to keep faith with the New Zealand international, despite his recent drop off in form was puzzling.
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Jesus has four goals in six games for his new side, but Postecoglou still waited until the hour mark before introducing him.
Prior to the match between the two, Football Insider outlined Sunderland’s main attacking threat against Nottingham Forest: Omar Alderete and Nordi Mukiele’s aerial threat.
And wouldn’t you know it, the Paraguay international was the man to fire the Black Cats into the lead with a bullet header in the 38th minute.
Postecoglou’s failure to address the threat posed by Sunderland’s centre-backs ultimately cost him at both ends of the pitch.
Not only did Alderete score, but Forest also swung in an astonishing 41 crosses without scoring a single goal.
Last season, Forest were all about their wide men.
Callum Hudson-Odoi finally looked to be living up to the early hype that dominated his career at Chelsea, whilst Anthony Elanga was deemed good enough for Newcastle to shell out £55million for him.
But this season, despite adding plenty of depth in wide areas, the Tricky Trees’ wingers have been neutered and look utterly ineffective.
Credit: Imago
Postecoglou is playing his side much higher up the pitch, looking to keep the ball at all costs and pin back the opposition.
However, that means there is no space for his wide men to attack, forcing them to play a much more pensive style, something which they are not well suited at doing.