Nottingham Forest’s new manager Ange Postecoglou endured a difficult start to life back in north London as Arsenal ran out 3-0 winners at the Emirates.
Arsenal fans did not hold back, taunting the former Tottenham boss with chants of “sacked in the morning.”
The Australian, appointed earlier in the week to replace Nuno Espirito Santo, was unable to stop a dominant Arsenal display that left Forest empty-handed in his first game in charge.
Postecoglou’s history with Arsenal’s north London rivals ensured he was in for a hostile reception.
Arsenal fans taunt Postecoglou – Photo Credit: SunSport
Supporters seized on the opportunity once the Gunners surged ahead through goals from Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyökeres.
The chants grew louder after Zubimendi headed in his second of the afternoon to make it 3-0, with home fans sarcastically asking Forest: “Are you Tottenham in disguise?”
It marked a sour return for Postecoglou, who just months earlier had lifted the Europa League with Spurs before being dismissed in June.
His Forest side struggled to cope with Arsenal’s pressure throughout the encounter.
Despite missing key figures like William Saliba and Bukayo Saka, Mikel Arteta’s men delivered a laudable performance.
Summer arrivals Cristhian Mosquera and Noni Madueke were among those given minutes, with Madueke shinning in the opening half.
For Postecoglou, the task now shifts to stabilising Forest after a difficult opening assignment.
The club travel to Swansea City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday before visiting Burnley in the league on September 20.
Their Europa League campaign will then begin away at Real Betis on September 24, providing the Australian with little time to settle before facing a congested run of fixtures.