Postecoglou makes Forest bow and the new front line will be tested in a tough weekend
Ange Postecoglou starts life at Nottingham Forest with a trip to Arsenal.
It has been a whirlwind week since he replaced Nuno Espírito Santo.
The questions now are how quickly he reshapes Forests style.
Nuno favoured caution and a counter attack at the Emirates.
Postecoglou is not the same and his methods will be tested from the first whistle.
Pragmatism is not a word you expect from the Australian.
He must win the squad over after the predecessor left under a cloud.
Forest have solid foundations so tweaks may be enough.
Time with the squad is tight after international duty and before a Saturday kickoff.
Adapting is a sign of strength and Postecoglou must prove it.
We have seen him at Tottenham resist change and the lesson stings.
Arsenal v Nottingham Forest is the early test this weekend.
Bournemouth v Brighton follows, then Crystal Palace v Sunderland, then Everton v Aston Villa.
Everton fans will be listening for a sign the new boss can deliver shape and fight.
TLDR
- Postecoglou must hit the ground running at Arsenal and shape a new forward line on the fly.
- Expect tweaks not a full rethink with time tight and no patience for spin.
- Old school grit and a refusal to chase possession will matter more than glossy stats.
Ange Postecoglou
Nottingham Forest