Ange Postecoglou is still searching for his maiden victory at Nottingham Forest after the club’s Europa League opener against Real Betis in Seville ended as a 2-2 draw.
Forest was leading for the majority of the contest before an 85th-minute equaliser from Antony denied Postecoglou the perfect start to his Europa League defence campaign.
“I thought our football was outstanding at times in the first half. The thing I could fault is we didn’t put the game to bed,” Postecoglou told TNT Sports after the game.
“I’m just disappointed that the players and supporters don’t get the rewards for our efforts. I’ve just got to make sure they keep their heads up because there’s plenty to be positive about and the wins will come.”
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Earlier, Real Betis unearthed the opener in the 15th minute courtesy of veteran striker Cédric Bakambu, but Nottingham Forest fired back almost immediately with Igor Jesus scoring twice before half-time. The Brazilian, controversially picked ahead of Chris Wood, converted a cross from Morgan Gibbs-White before putting away a header from the corner.
“Ange Postecoglou’s decision to bench Chris Wood in favour of Igor Jesus has been vindicated after those two first-half strikes from the Brazilian,” Sky Sports’ Zinny Boswell said.
Former Leeds striker Lucy Ward continued on TNT Sports: “There was probably a few raised eyebrows to Postecoglou for picking him over Chris Wood. But he is proven right so far.”
Forest threatened to race away in the contest after Jesus twice went close to a hat-trick and Callum Hudson-Odoi hit the post.
However, Real Betis dominated the second half of action at Estadio La Cartuja, with Postecoglou’s decision to take off Douglas Luiz durng the break copping some criticism.
Antony’s equaliser seemed inevitable following a period of late pressure, with Nottingham Forest, playing in Europe for the first time in 30 years, settling for a point.
“Ange Postecoglou will be kicking himself,” Boswell said.
“His first win as Nottingham Forest boss was there for the taking, but his half-time changes backfired.”
Former England midfielder Joe Cole continued on TNT Sports: “Towards the end they looked like a team that’s got a mental block. They’ve not got off the mark yet this season, they’ve conceded late goals and they got knocked out the League Cup.
“They looked like a team where that was playing on their mind, especially the last 20 minutes.”
Forest will next host Sunderland on Saturday.
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