Sean Dyche marked his first game as Nottingham Forest manager with a 2-0 victory over Porto in the Europa League on Thursday, securing the club's first win in the competition and ending an eight-match winless run overall. The win provided relief after the abrupt dismissal of Ange Postecoglou, who lasted just 39 days and failed to secure a victory during his brief tenure.
Forest secured the three points through two penalties at the City Ground. Morgan Gibbs-White converted the first in the 19th minute after VAR intervened for a handball against Jan Bednarek. Igor Jesus sealed the result with a second spot-kick in the 77th minute, awarded after Nicolò Savona was brought down; also confirmed following a VAR review which overturned an initial booking for diving.
For Dyche, who began his playing career at Forest as an apprentice under Brian Clough, the occasion was memorable. "I'd waited a long time for that moment. As a young person here in '87 all I wanted to do was wear the shirt," Dyche said post-match. "To come back as the manager is super pleasing and to stand there and absorb it, I've learnt in life sometimes you have to slow your thinking down and take it in." He noted the improved tactical display, with the team looking more comfortable in a back-four system.
Fans, who had shown frustration during Postecoglou's final games, passionately supported Dyche and the team, chanting "Forest are back" and celebrating with fireworks after the final whistle. Gibbs-White commented on the change, telling TNT Sports, "You can feel the morale. It feels a lot more positive and it needs to stay like that. That's credit to the manager." Dyche acknowledged the backing: "It's nice when they support you from the off, winning helps."
Despite the positive start, Dyche emphasized that this is just the beginning for the team, who remain in the Premier League relegation zone. "It is a step, that's all it is, because the Premier League we have got to do well in that as well," he stated. "We want a team that is competitive in all competitions... But let's face it, the Premier League we've got to change that." Forest faces Bournemouth away on Sunday.
