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If Mikel Arteta’s thoughts this week have been consumed by former European champions, he may have left both Barcelona and Nottingham Forest disappointed. In very different ways, though. The Arsenal manager has rebuffed Catalan reports he will decamp to Barcelona. He instead defeated Forest. On the ground where Arsenal’s title challenge officially ended last season – a 1-0 loss handing Manchester City the crown – they went second in the table. Having pledged his loyalty to Arsenal, Arteta may yet get his reward at the end of the season, and not merely with a new contract.
Following a lackluster performance over the holiday season, Arsenal has now secured two consecutive victories. The team’s scoring drought has ended as their forwards have regained their scoring form. Despite a uneventful first half, Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka scored in the second half to defeat Forest.
The class was informed that Arsenal would not accept a tie, which also brought a sudden feeling that their chance at the title could be lost if they do not defeat Liverpool on Sunday.
Instead, they have renewed vigour and Arteta got shows of support from Arsenal. He was serenaded by the fanbase. Emblematic players in his reign exerted an influence when required.
Arteta’s team came through as the Gunners narrowed the distance behind Liverpool.
Arteta appeared to have an influence without altering anything. Prior to halftime, Arsenal’s pace and movement were lacking. However, they displayed more urgency and creativity in the second half. Jesus, Saka, and the impressive Martin Odegaard were the standout players after the break. The warning sign was a pivotal moment in the game, as it involved the three key players. Saka cleverly set up his captain with a backheel, who then passed to Odegaard, who struck the post with a powerful shot.
The breakthrough occurred nine minutes after, and was a moment that highlighted Arteta’s successful transfer decisions. While signing Declan Rice may have been Arsenal’s best business move last summer, selling Matt Turner was a close second. Turner has often been a liability in his Forest career and conceded a goal in a disastrous manner during his reunion with Arsenal.
Jesus expertly maneuvered the ball past the American player from a difficult angle. Despite Oleksandr Zinchenko’s swift throw, the Brazilian managed to react swiftly. However, his goal still left many in shock, as they couldn’t believe he scored from that position.
Jesus successfully scored a goal by kicking the ball between the legs of the former Arsenal goalkeeper, Matt Turner.
Seven minutes later, he contributed to a goal with an assist, but it was actually Odegaard who initiated the play. After Montiel’s pass was intercepted, Odegaard passed to Jesus, who then found Saka and he skillfully directed his shot past Turner.
Afterwards, Arsenal initially dominated and later had to rely on a strong defensive effort. Martin Odegaard controlled the midfield, Leandro Trossard showed promise in his brief appearance, and Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli were given a break in the last few minutes to get ready for their match against Liverpool, who are currently at the top of the league.
At first, Arsenal was frustrated but eventually celebrated. They held onto the ball for 81% of the game and Odegaard took a shot that went over the bar. However, they were unable to test Turner until right before halftime. In hindsight, this was a mistake considering his later mistakes.
Forest saw the match as a short-lived victory, achieving success after 45 minutes but not in the entire 90 minutes. The intended outcome did not justify their actions and they ultimately suffered their fifth loss in six home league matches. They are currently uncertain if a points deduction will make their situation more risky, but at the moment they are only slightly ahead of Luton.
Under Nuno Espirito Santo’s short tenure, Forest had excelled against teams considered to be stronger, defeating Newcastle and Manchester United. However, in this instance, their approach was less aggressive.
Taiwo Awoniyi scored a goal for Forest, but it was too late to make a difference.
The Forest team displayed a passive approach, with Nuno opting for a defensive lineup. They spent the majority of the first half defending and there were few noteworthy events. This may have only added to Nuno’s reputation as a boring coach. However, for the entire half, Forest’s defense was flawless. They made some impressive blocks, with Murillo, Danilo, and Nicolas Dominguez standing out. Murillo’s block on Saka’s shot was particularly impressive as he diverted it wide from the goal.
The plan was based on maintaining equality. Arsenal increased their speed in the second half. Forest ended up with a better score than they deserved, but were still close to tying the game.
They finally shifted their attention to offense. Taiwo Awoniyi was substituted in during halftime, marking his return to the field after being absent since November. The recently recovered forward had limited opportunities until the final moments, but then quickly demonstrated his impact. He capitalized on Gonzalo Montiel’s header, overpowering William Saliba and securing his 11th goal in 17 matches in the highest division.
In the final moments of the game, David Raya saved the Nigerian player’s close-range volley. Arteta has faced backlash for his choice of goalkeeper during the summer transfer window. This time, the game-changing moment was a result of the player he let go.
Source: independent.co.uk
