Arsenal vs Nottingham Forest Preview

• Draw or Arsenal win
• Martinelli to score or assist

Arsenal host Nottingham Forest at the Emirates as both teams look to build momentum after the international break.

For Arsenal, this is an opportunity to reignite their title challenge after a disappointing run, while Forest aim to maintain their surprising early-season form and continue their impressive away record.

Arsenal: Seeking a Reset After a Dip in Form

Arsenal’s title aspirations have taken a hit after a four-game winless run (D2, L2), leaving them nine points behind the Premier League leaders.

Mikel Arteta will be eager to use the international break as a springboard for improvement, with this match offering a chance to get back on track.

The Gunners have an excellent record against Nottingham Forest, winning six of their last seven Premier League meetings, and their eight-match unbeaten home run (W6, D2) provides additional encouragement.

Additionally, Arsenal boast a stellar record in Saturday home games, having gone unbeaten in 20 such fixtures since April 2022 (W17, D3). A victory here is crucial to close the gap on the top teams and restore confidence within the squad.

Nottingham Forest: Dreaming of Europe

Forest’s remarkable start to the season sees them level on points with Arsenal after 11 games, a feat few could have predicted. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo has guided his side to fifth place, with their success built on resilience and strong away performances.

Forest are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League away matches (W5, D2), including results against top-six sides like Manchester United and Brighton this season.

With a manager who has lost only once in four visits to the Emirates (W1, D2), Forest will approach this clash with confidence. Their form on the road suggests they could make life difficult for the Gunners, even as they face one of the league’s strongest teams.

Key Players to Watch

Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)

Martinelli remains a key figure for Arsenal, scoring in their last game against Chelsea. Interestingly, his previous nine club appearances before that ended in victory for Arsenal. Against Forest, Martinelli has four goal involvements in five matches (G3, A1), making him a likely threat.

Murillo (Nottingham Forest)

Murillo scored his first senior goal just before the international break and has been a standout for Forest. Known for his composure on the ball, he averages more passes per game (41) than any other Forest player, showcasing his importance in dictating play from the back.

Tactical Insights: Arsenal’s Offensive Firepower vs Forest’s Away Resilience

Arsenal will likely dominate possession, with their creative midfield and Martinelli’s pace on the flanks expected to stretch Forest’s defence. Arteta may instruct his side to start quickly to put Forest under pressure and break their solid away form.

Forest, on the other hand, will rely on a compact defensive setup and look to hit Arsenal on the counter-attack.

With Murillo’s ability to build from the back and Morgan Gibbs-White’s creativity in midfield, Forest have the tools to trouble Arsenal’s defence, particularly if the Gunners leave spaces while pushing forward.

Final Thoughts

This match offers Arsenal a prime opportunity to bounce back and solidify their standing in the top-four race, while Nottingham Forest look to continue their fairytale start to the season. The Gunners’ home advantage and Forest’s away resilience make this an intriguing contest.

Can Arsenal regain their winning touch, or will Forest pull off another impressive result on the road?

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Arsenal v Nottm Forest, 2024/25 | Premier League