Ange Postecoglou’s first home game as Forest boss ends in loss to Sunderland

Omar Alderete’s first-half header helped Sunderland clinch their first away win of the season with a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest in Ange Postecoglou’s first home game in charge.

Defeat left Postecoglou still waiting for his first success since taking over as Forest boss. They are now without a win since the opening day, while Regis Le Bris saw his side climb into the Champions League places with their third win of the campaign.

The first half lacked real quality but a contentious moment allowed Sunderland to make the decisive breakthrough as Alderete notched his first for the club after Nicolas Dominguez was booked for a debatable simulation decision outside his own area.

Forest failed to have a shot on target in the first half but it was a completely different story after the break as Black Cats goalkeeper Robin Roefs made six saves to ensure Sunderland picked up the three points.

Postecoglou has not delivered a win in his opening five games and a return to their home patch resulted in Forest’s third loss of the campaign, although the Australian may feel hard one by with this one.

Morgan Gibbs-White was the most notable absentee from the starting XI, dropping to the bench as James McAtee made his second start for the club.

Sunderland should have been ahead in the ninth minute when Dominguez relinquished possession inside his own penalty box. It presented a glorious chance for Wilson Isidor, whose snapshot went marginally the wrong side of the post.

The visitors hit the front in the 37th minute in controversial circumstances.

Referee Tony Harrington gave a free-kick in a dangerous area to the visitors after deciding Dominguez dived in a challenge with Trai Hume as he tried to clear the ball.

Forest were still