Ange Postecoglou faced a significant team selection challenge against Arsenal as Ola Aina’s three-month absence left a void in Nottingham Forest’s defense. Neco Williams, usually on the left, shifted to the right, prompting Postecoglou to start Morato, a Brazilian center-back, in the left-back position.
The decision did not sit well with Forest fans, who took to social media to express their dissatisfaction with Morato’s performance against Noni Madueke. Many fans highlighted Morato as a weak link in defense, calling for his substitution at halftime to prevent potential game-changing mistakes.
While the fans criticized Morato’s struggle at left-back, they also empathized with Postecoglou’s limited options in the absence of key defenders such as Zinchenko, Savona recovering from injury, and others on loan. The absence of viable left-back choices forced Postecoglou to field Morato, despite it not being his natural position.
The situation highlighted the importance of defensive depth and the challenges faced by managers when key players are unavailable. As Forest navigated through the game against Arsenal, fans hoped for improvements in their defensive setup and a more balanced backline in future matches.
