Nottingham | Postecoglou's wait for first Forest win goes on

Burnley 1 - 1 Nottingham Forest

Ange Postecoglou is still searching for his first win as Forest manager after Burnley salvaged a draw at Turf Moor thanks to Oleksandr Zinchenko’s misfortune.

Author | Kieran M 

Stadium | Turf Moor

Forest had taken the lead inside two minutes when Neco Williams crashed in a fierce finish, but they were pegged back when Zinchenko diverted Jaidon Anthony’s mishit shot into his own net, though the Burnley winger was credited with the goal.

Postecoglou has already altered the style of this Forest side, who look far more adventurous than under Nuno Espírito Santo, but he is still bedding in his ideas after a winless start to the campaign.

Forest were on top for much of the first half and could easily have stretched their lead before Burnley levelled. Zinchenko’s stumble at the far post proved costly, though chances still came at both ends. Dilane Bakwa and Chris Wood both went close for Forest, while Loum Tchaouna rattled the crossbar with a free-kick.

Anthony tested Matz Sels early in the second half as Burnley pressed for a winner, but the hosts ultimately relied on Martin Dubravka to secure a point. The goalkeeper produced fine stops to deny Igor Jesus and Williams late on, ensuring Burnley had something to show after their stoppage-time defeat at Anfield a week earlier.

Promising signs for Forest but greater control still needed

Ange Postecoglou’s influence was evident throughout the Forest squad, and there were glimpses of the attacking style he is keen to impose.

Chances were created for Dilane Bakwa and Chris Wood through quick, incisive passing that Burnley struggled to contain. Yet Forest lost their way after the Clarets’ equaliser, showing they must assert greater control to manage games effectively.

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There are encouraging signs, however, even though the Australian head coach, who is determined to implement his approach rapidly, has been in charge for less than two weeks.

A point was a fair outcome for both sides, but Postecoglou was appointed to deliver victories for Forest. He will have two opportunities to secure his first win next week as Forest travel to Real Betis in the Europa League on Wednesday, marking their first European fixture in 30 years, before returning to the City Ground to host Sunderland on Saturday.