Sean Dyche is facing increased scrutiny following Nottingham Forest's disappointing 1-0 defeat to Braga in the Europa League, a match compounded by a series of unfortunate events. The loss leaves Forest's chances of a top-eight finish in the competition hanging in the balance.

The pivotal moment arrived in the second half when James McAtee was fouled in the penalty area. Morgan Gibbs-White's subsequent penalty was saved by Braga's goalkeeper, Lukáš Horníček. A mere 54 seconds later, Ryan Yates inadvertently directed a cross from Ricardo Horta into his own net, handing Braga the lead. To add insult to injury, Elliot Anderson was sent off for dissent in added time.

Despite the setback, Forest had opportunities to equalize. Ola Aina's long-range strike hit the crossbar, and Yates had a header deflected over the bar. However, they failed to convert these chances. Braga, despite securing the win, didn't register a single shot on target throughout the match.

Dyche's appointment as Nottingham Forest's Head Coach on October 21, 2025, was intended to bring stability and a clear tactical approach. The club highlighted his experience, defensive organization, and strength from set-pieces as qualities that aligned with the team's identity. However, recent results have raised questions about whether Dyche can deliver the desired improvements.

Nottingham Forest currently sits 11th in the Europa League. In the Premier League, their record stands at 6 wins, 4 draws, and 12 losses, placing them 17th in the league. Their next Europa League match is against Ferencváros at the City Ground, which will be crucial for their chances of advancing in the competition. They also face Brentford in Premier League action on Sunday.

While it is too early to definitively judge Dyche's tenure, the pressure is mounting. The team's performance in the upcoming games will be critical in determining whether he can turn things around and secure his position at the club.