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

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.