Premier League giant Chelsea enjoyed a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Saturday at the City Ground.
Defender Josh Acheampong and winger Pedro Neto scored just after halftime, prompting chants of “you don’t know what you are doing” from the home supporters after Postecoglou reacted by immediately bringing on Callum Hudson-Odoi, before captain Reece James sealed victory in a 3-0 win for Chelsea.
Forest failed to capitalize on a dominant first half, when striker Taiwo Awoniyi, making his first start since a serious abdominal injury left him in a coma last season, missed an early chance. Morgan Gibbs-White also missed two first-half chances.
Chelsea struggled with a makeshift midfield, missing the injured Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez, while Moises Caicedo started on the bench.
However, manager Enzo Maresca’s three half-time substitutions, including the arrival of star midfielder Caicedo, helped swing the game.
Acheampong, 19, was unmarked as he headed home after Neto’s cross from close range four minutes after the break. Three minutes later, Neto curled a free kick past Forest’s defensive wall and goalie Matz Sels.
James volleyed in a third after a weak Sels clearance, and Chelsea defender Malo Gusto was sent off for a second yellow card in the final few minutes of the game.
When Gusto was sent off in the 87th minute, it had no influence on the outcome but did emphasize Chelsea’s disciplinary troubles.
Chelsea received their fourth red card in six outings.
Maresca was also suspended for celebrating Estevao Willian’s late goal against Liverpool before the international break, which resulted in a one-match suspension.
Chelsea received its third red card in the Premier League this season, more than any other club.
This is only the third time Chelsea has had three players sent off after eight games, following the 2001-02 and 2017-18 seasons.
Despite Maresca’s denials, Chelsea’s lack of discipline has cost them defeats against Manchester United and Brighton, but not this time.
Ange Postecoglou was sacked by Nottingham Forest 19 minutes after Chelsea’s Premier League victory at Nottingham Forest.
The 60-year-old leaves after only 39 days and eight winless games after replacing Nuno Espirito Santo last month.
Postecoglou was seen shaking his head minutes earlier after defender Neco Williams volleyed over when unmarked. Substitute striker Igor Jesus then hit the post and bar as poor finishing cost Forest.
Forest lost six and drew two of his eight matches in charge after replacing Nuno Espirito Santo in September.
