Nottingham Forest look to take shape in Carabao Cup clash with Swansea after Arsenal loss
Ange Postecoglou insisted his Nottingham Forest would begin to take shape on Wednesday in the Carabao Cup at Swansea.
The new manager faced a bruising first game in charge, losing 3-0 at Arsenal.
However Forest barely threatened as Martín Zubimendi struck twice and Viktor Gyökeres added a third for Arsenal.
The result underlined the task facing Postecoglou, even as he pledged speedier progress.
Wednesday in Swansea is Forest’s chance to kickstart a plan with tempo.
Postecoglou wants rotation and pace in build-up, with the fullbacks stepping higher.
The medium term test is how quickly Forest knit midfield pivots and pressing shape.
Forest fans would forgive a slow start if the pressing pattern sharpened by midweek.
In the cup, a clean performance could seed belief for league matches to come.
This is not a sprint, it is a steady rebuild with a plan and patience.
For now, the Tollington pubs may sigh less if Forest show intent and coherence.
Spurs will be watching, and United and City might pretend they are not taking notes.
- Postecoglou aims to shape Forest with tempo in the Cup against Swansea.
- Rotation, build-up pace, and pressing shape are the focus as they reset after Arsenal loss.
- Rivals like Spurs, United, and City will be watching with a wary eye.
Martín Zubimendi
Nottingham Forest