Nottingham Forest lose 0-3 to Chelsea, sack coach Postecoglou minutes after

Ange Postecoglou was sacked by Nottingham Forest just 19 minutes after Chelsea’s 3-0 Premier League victory at the City Ground.

The 60-year-old Australian was dismissed after only 39 days and eight winless matches in charge, having replaced Nuno Espírito Santo last month.

Chelsea’s teenage defender Josh Acheampong and winger Pedro Neto struck early in the second half, prompting chants of “you don’t know what you’re doing” from frustrated home fans when Postecoglou reacted by bringing on Callum Hudson-Odoi.

In a match reported by the BBC, Captain Reece James later sealed the visitors’ win, while Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis left the directors’ box in the 66th minute.

Postecoglou will lament his side’s failure to capitalise on a dominant first half, when returning striker Taiwo Awoniyi — making his first start since a serious abdominal injury left him in a coma last season — missed a clear chance. Morgan Gibbs-White also squandered two good opportunities before the break.

Chelsea, missing injured midfielders Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernández, struggled early but came alive after three half-time substitutions by manager Enzo Maresca, including the introduction of Moisés Caicedo.

Acheampong headed in Neto’s cross four minutes after the restart, before Neto curled a free-kick past goalkeeper Matz Sels three minutes later.

James added a third after a poor clearance from Sels, and Chelsea’s Malo Gusto was later sent off for a second yellow card in stoppage time.

Postecoglou, visibly frustrated after Neco Williams volleyed over from close range and substitute Igor Jesus hit the post and bar in quick succession, saw his side’s wastefulness epitomise his brief tenure — plenty of promise, but no end product.

Forest’s record under Postecoglou stood at six defeats and two draws. Within minutes of the final whistle, he was dismissed — even before facing the media.

The club confirmed his departure in a brief statement as journalists waited in the press room.

There were no angry chants at full-time, only resignation from the stands. Forest had been the better team before halftime, but Chelsea’s quick-fire goals crushed any hope of revival.

For Postecoglou, who began with little goodwill from fans, the lack of results proved fatal in the end.

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