Granit Xhaka gives his honest Nottingham Forest verdict after Sunderland’s away win

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Despite dominating proceedings at the City Ground, Ange Postecoglou’s Nottingham Forest side fell to defeat against Granit Xhaka’s Sunderland.

Following his side’s midweek excursions in the Europa League, Postecoglou made a number of changes to his starting side.

Morgan Gibbs-White, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Igor Jesus were all on the bench, an attacking trio that played so well against Real Betis.

But despite all three coming off the bench against Sunderland on Saturday, Nottingham Forest were unable to overcome Omar Alderete’s controversial first half winner.

Referee Tony Harrington booked Nicolas Dominguez for simulation when many thought he had been fouled, and then Alderete scored a header from the resultant free-kick.

Granit Xhaka says Nottingham Forest deserved to beat Sunderland

That being said, when speaking to Sky Sports after full-time, Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka was very honest in his assessment of the game.

Despite Sunderland’s 1-0 win away from home, Xhaka admitted that Forest deserved to win the game.

Perhaps the Switzerland international was somewhat referring to the chances that Postecoglou’s side missed, or more specifically, opportunities that Chris Wood spurned. 

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Discussing the game, Xhaka said: “We had a game plan and we knew that it would be very difficult here but what a mentality from the team. This is exactly what we need. What support from the fans. 

“It looks good to win like this because of course I think Nottingham [Forest] were the better team today but football is not about who is better on the pitch, it is about who scores more and we won today and we are very happy.”

Sunderland’s Robin Roefs never thought Forest would score

In addition to Xhaka’s words, Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs claimed that he never felt as if Forest would score, even if they had big chances.

Roefs made a mistake against Aston Villa last time out, but the Dutchman was in inspired form at the City Ground.

Speaking to BBC’s Match of the Day, Roefs said: “To be honest with you I didn’t really feel like they were going to score even if we played on one hour more. 

“So many balls came in the box and the guys fought for every ball and did so well.”

A tough defeat for Postecoglou’s side, who have shown a lot of attacking promise.

But perhaps it is already time for the likes of Igor Jesus to start more regularly, even if Wood enjoyed a historic campaign last term.