Ange Postecoglou can already achieve feat no Nottingham Forest manager has since Brian Clough
Ange Postecoglou has the chance to win the hearts of Nottingham Forest supporters by going shoulder-to-shoulder with an iconic figure.
Postecoglou has taken over from Nuno Espirito Santo, who fell out with Global Head of Football Edu during the summer over the club’s transfer tactics.
Omari Hutchinson is one of Forest’s latest additions, joining on a £37.5 million deal from Ipswich Town, but the 21-year-old has been left out of their Europa League squad.
It appears that the decision from the former manager might have been the straw that broke the camel’s back at the City Ground, and now Postecoglou has massive shoes to fill.
Nottingham Forest have not beaten Arsenal away from home since 1989
The former Tottenham manager’s first task will be to face Arsenal on Saturday, 13 September, and he can emulate that of Brian Clough for the Reds – a legendary figure at the City Ground.
Clough was the last manager in charge of the Tricky Trees to beat the Gunners away from home, dating all the way back to March 1989 in the First Division.
Nigel Clough and Stuart Pearce were amongst the goalscorers in a 3-1 win for Forest at Highbury Stadium, and no manager has achieved that feat since.
Franz Carr netted another for the visitors, with Alan Smith scoring the Gunners’ only goal of the game in a very rare away win.
How did Ange Postecoglou do against Arsenal during his time at Tottenham?
Looking at the 60-year-old’s record against Mikel Arteta during his time in North London, it is clear that he will need to be far more patient with Forest.
He drew his opening North London derby, with Son Heung-min scoring a brace at the Emirates, before losing each of the next three meetings, home or away.
The Tricky Trees have also experienced a difficult time against the Gunners, last claiming a win back in May 2023 through a single goal from Taiwo Awoniyi.
But after three games, and just one victory under Espirito Santo, a win is desperately needed to get the team back on track, and beating the Gunners would send a huge statement as Postecoglou’s first act.