Postecoglou Blames “Disruptive Week” for Nottingham Forest’s 3-0 Defeat at Arsenal

Newly-appointed Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou has admitted his side’s 3-0 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates was shaped by a turbulent week behind the scenes.

The Australian tactician, who only replaced Nuno Espírito Santo on Tuesday, oversaw his first game in charge against the Gunners but insisted he would quickly bring stability and identity to the squad.

“It is no secret it has been a very disruptive week for the players,” Postecoglou said after the match.

“Seven days ago their world was totally different from what it is today and you’ve got to understand that, I certainly do.

I can’t fault the players’ endeavour and effort. I thought we hung in there—we never really had control of the game at any point but we worked really hard in the first half. There were small seeds towards the end of the first half of us maybe being able to cause them some problems, but the second goal straight after half-time killed the game.”

Despite the heavy defeat, the 60-year-old sounded upbeat about the future, insisting:

“It won’t take long.”

Opinion: Patience Will Be Key for Forest Under Postecoglou

It was always going to be a baptism of fire for Postecoglou—thrown into his first game in charge at the Emirates against an Arsenal side chasing the title. To expect an immediate miracle would have been unfair. What Forest fans should take heart in, however, is his honesty and his trademark resilience.

Postecoglou has a track record of instilling belief, identity, and attacking football wherever he goes—just ask Celtic fans or Spurs supporters who admired his fearless approach. His recognition of the “disruptive week” isn’t an excuse; it’s a reality check. The players had barely trained under him, yet there were flashes of commitment and energy that suggest Forest can grow into his philosophy.

The real test won’t be away to Arsenal—it will come in fixtures against fellow mid-table and relegation-battling sides. That’s where Forest’s season will be defined, and where Postecoglou will have the chance to put his stamp on the team.

For now, Forest fans should buckle up. It may be a rough ride at first, but if Postecoglou’s past is anything to go by, the journey could lead somewhere far brighter than this disrupted week suggests.