EPL: Postecoglou blames ‘disruptive week’ for Nottingham Forest’s 3-0 defeat at Arsenal

New Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou has attributed his side’s 3-0 loss to Arsenal to a “very disruptive week” following his sudden appointment.

The 60-year-old, who replaced Nuno Espirito Santo just four days before the trip to the Emirates, admitted his players were still adjusting to the changes but promised fans that his impact would soon be felt.

“It is no secret it has been a very disruptive week for the players,” Postecoglou told reporters 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.”

Despite praising the effort and commitment of his squad, Postecoglou acknowledged that Arsenal dominated the contest.

“I can’t fault the players’ endeavour and effort. We hung in there, but we never really had control of the game,” he said. “Towards the end of the first half, I thought maybe we could cause them some problems, but the second goal right after half-time killed the game.”

Arsenal’s emphatic win leaves Forest rooted in early-season struggles, but Postecoglou, who has built a reputation for transforming teams quickly, insisted: “It won’t take long.”