Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest: Clash at the Emirates

After the final international break of 2024, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest face off at the Emirates Stadium, both level on points. With Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures labeled as must-wins, the pressure is mounting for the Gunners to deliver.

However, the challenge is significant against a Forest side that has surpassed expectations this season. Sitting 5th in the table, just behind Arsenal on goal difference, Forest has proven to be a tough competitor.

Arsenal began the campaign with high hopes of mounting another title challenge, aiming to dethrone Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and end their title drought since the invincible season of 2003/04. Yet, injuries and controversial red cards have left them struggling to recapture that iconic form.

Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, find themselves on the opposite trajectory. After narrowly avoiding relegation in their first two seasons back in the Premier League, few expected them to do more than fight for survival again this year.

However, a strong start has Forest level on points with Arsenal and dreaming of a potential push for European football—a prospect that would stun fans and bookmakers alike. Their success has been fueled by impressive away performances, including a 1-0 win at Anfield and hard-fought draws against Chelsea and Brighton, leaving them unbeaten in five away games this season.

For Arsenal, the international break may have come at an ideal time. Injuries have disrupted their campaign, but the 1-1 draw with Chelsea saw the return of key players like Declan Rice, who missed the defeat to Inter Milan, and captain Martin Ødegaard, starting for the first time in two months.

Jurrien Timber, Ben White, and Bukayo Saka have also battled through injuries this season. Encouragingly, Rice and Saka stayed at the club during England’s Nations League fixtures, while Ødegaard skipped Norway’s matches to focus on training.

With a much-needed break from their hectic schedule, Mikel Arteta has had the chance to regroup and address the issues that have plagued Arsenal’s season. The Gunners now hope to reignite their title ambitions and get back on track.

Key Battle:

Chris Wood v Gabriel and Saliba

Chris Wood may seem like a straightforward, no-nonsense striker, but his impact is anything but simple. With eight goals already this season, the Forest forward is in top form, posing a constant aerial and physical threat. His teammates will aim to deliver crosses into the box, challenging Arsenal’s defensive duo at every opportunity.

For Arsenal, Gabriel and William Saliba have built a formidable partnership that combines strength and pace. This pairing was the cornerstone of Arsenal’s league-best defense last season, making it incredibly difficult for opposing strikers to outmuscle or outjump them.

However, injuries and suspensions have disrupted Arsenal’s backline this season, forcing makeshift solutions like Thomas Partey at right-back and inconsistency at left-back. These changes have tested the cohesion between Gabriel and Saliba.

The international break offers Arsenal a chance to reset and reestablish their preferred defensive setup. A return to a stable back four could provide the foundation for the Gunners to rediscover their defensive solidity and climb back into title contention.

Arsenal’s wingers vs Forest defence

Arsenal’s wide play has been a cornerstone of their attacking strategy, whether through incisive runs behind the defense or dangerous crosses into the box. Gabriel Martinelli, despite recent criticism for his form and output, remains a key part of Mikel Arteta’s plans, consistently starting on the left.

On the opposite flank, Bukayo Saka continues to shine, even while battling through injuries. His ability to create opportunities—even when facing double coverage—highlights his exceptional quality. Saka’s knack for unlocking defenses often proves decisive, making him one of Arsenal’s most reliable weapons.

While Nottingham Forest have impressed this season, their defense showed vulnerabilities in the 3-0 loss to Newcastle. Murillo has been a standout performer, attracting attention from bigger clubs, but his supporting cast, including Ola Aina and Alex Moreno, has struggled at times.

Whether it’s Martinelli or Leandro Trossard partnering with Saka, Arsenal’s wingers have consistently outplayed stronger defensive units than Forest’s fullbacks. This matchup could be crucial in breaking down Forest’s resistance and securing a positive result for the Gunners.

What to Expect:

Arsenal have been much less creative without their talisman Odegaard, who despite missing 15 games has created the most chances in the premier league in 2024. So his return could be the key to unlocking Forest’s defence. We’ve seen Arsenal sides under pressure before during Arteta’s tenure, and he tends to go all out to secure results when under scrutiny.

Forest have played free-flowing football this season with the likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Morgan Gibbs-White starring, not to forget an in-form Wood leading the line, the New Zealand international has eight goals already, and was named October’s player of the month.

The Emirates crowd will have a big part to play, and an early goal for either side could foreshadow the end result. While praised for their defensive stability last season, Arsenal have failed to keep a clean sheet since their North London Derby win in September. Expect an open game with both sides looking to cause danger from wider areas.

Source: https://arsenal-mania.com/arsenal-vs-nottingham-forest-match-preview/