My key conclusions from Sunderland's defeat to Nottingham Forest | OneFootball

Sunderland lost 5-0 to Nottingham Forest on Friday, their heaviest league defeat of the season and a second successive Premier League loss. According to Sunderland Echo, it was a humbling night.

An open first 15 minutes brought chances both ways. Chris Rigg shot at Matz Sels from Enzo Le Fée’s pass, and Forest’s press unsettled the hosts despite brief flurries.

By the finish there was no argument. Sunderland were too casual, finding intensity only after Régis Le Bris’s changes. Three goals came with Igor Jesus unmarked at the back post.

A sobering week also flipped the luck debate. Villa and Forest were better, but their finishing was ruthless, Villa scoring four from an xG of 2.84 and Forest five from 1.10. It highlights elite ruthlessness more than Sunderland misfortune, as earlier strugglers show late-season quality.

Selection was secondary, yet it underlined why Reinildo is rarely omitted when fit, his one-v-one edge was missed. Recalling Trai Hume was understandable, but it would be a major shock if Reinildo is not restored at Wolves on Saturday. Wilson Isidor’s cameo suggested he could matter in the weeks ahead.

Dan Ballard’s disallowed goal brought a five-minute VAR delay and a contentious verdict after Nordi Mukiele’s contact with Sels. Whether a tripping offence occurred was debatable and it did not look a clear and obvious error. Sunderland may owe VAR for Wembley, but this felt like technology at its worst.

Source: Sunderland Echo