The statistics would appear to suggest Postecoglou has already made Nottingham Forest more attack-minded than they were under Nuno.

In the Portuguese coach’s three Premier League games in charge of Forest this season before he was sacked, his side had 31 attempts on goal, while in Postecoglou’s three league fixtures so far – which includes an away game against Arsenal – they have had 44 attempts.

They key is turning those efforts into goals, and for some of those who have watched Forest under Postecoglou, there is a belief that will come.

“Forest had plenty of chances,” former Nottingham Forest midfielder Andy Reid said on Sky Sports after the Sunderland loss.

Reid took encouragement from Saturday’s match, and their display in Wednesday’s 2-2 Europa League draw away to Real Betis.

“It’s a disappointing night for Forest supporters, players and manager but I’ve seen enough to see that they’re going to be OK,” he said.

“Of course, it’s disappointing but I’m seeing enough from that game and the other games – they were brilliant against Betis at times – that once things click into place, I’m sure they’ll kick on.”

Forest striker Chris Wood, who scored 20 Premier League goals last season, added: “We need to take those chances. Ultimately you pay a price in games that you should be winning comfortably.

“The reality of it is we don’t really have the luxury of time to analyse it. The change has been made, the football has progressed, that is getting us the foundation to win games but we are not and we need to change that.”