Ange Postecoglou was satisfied with Nottingham Forest's progress since Arsenal defeat and Swansea collapse despite a 1-1 draw with fellow strugglers Burnley. The contest had all the hallmarks of a relegation six-pointer, with both sides desperate for points, but Forest were left licking their wounds after surrendering a lead.
Burnley bite back leaves forest frustrated
Burnley winger Jaidon Anthony struck the killer blow, cancelling out Forest’s opener and stretching Postecoglou’s unwanted drought to nine Premier League matches without a victory. For a man who has lifted silverware in Australia, Japan, Scotland, and even England, this marks the longest barren spell of his career in top-flight management.
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Despite the disappointment of dropping points, Postecoglou remained upbeat when speaking afterwards. The Australian was keen to underline the strides his side have made since last weekend’s 3-0 hammering at Arsenal and their midweek League Cup implosion against Swansea.
"It is always a tough game here," Postecoglou told . "From seven days ago from when we played Arsenal, we look a different team and we saw elements of that on Wednesday night too. I am disappointed but, at the same time, the progress in our play is the most positive thing for me."
Keeper heroics deny forest breakthrough
Forest carved out enough opportunities to win two matches, but a stubborn Burnley shot-stopper stood firm. Time after time, clear openings were created only to be smothered or tipped wide, leaving the visitors wondering how they hadn’t returned to Nottingham with three precious points. For Postecoglou, the problem wasn’t a lack of creativity but a lapse in concentration that allowed Burnley to grow into the game.
"We lost a certain amount of control but disappointed we didn't take all three points," he said. "We had a couple of sloppy moments and it allowed them to get a bit of traction in the game. We still created enough chances to win the game."
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Next up is a trip back to Postecoglou’s comfort zone: the Europa League. Forest lock horns with Real Betis in midweek, giving the Australian a chance to end his winless streak in the competition he knows best. He has three seasons of experience in the tournament, most recently guiding Tottenham to European glory before his shock sacking in June, barely two weeks after lifting the trophy. Now, with Forest, he has the chance to remind the football world that his pedigree on the continental stage still matters.
"I'm really looking forward to it," he said. "It'll be great for this group of players. I have three years of experience in the Europa League. Last year went well but it'll be great for these players."
For now, it’s progress without pay-off, promise without prizes. But if Postecoglou’s faith in his project holds true, Forest’s story could yet turn from frustration to revival.