Arsenal Demonstrates its Prowess with a Resounding Victory Against Nottingham Forest
In the pre-match, coach Mikel Arteta praised Liverpool’s signing strategy. However, Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Saturday was a clear demonstration of the success of the Gunners’ recruitment strategy during the summer.
While Liverpool broke the British transfer record twice in a single season, Arsenal strengthened with eight players, investing over £260 million to avoid the mistakes of last season.
The match began with a familiar atmosphere for Arsenal, with threats mainly from corners and an early injury to Martin Ødegaard. The presence of coach Ange Postecoglou, leading a team dressed in white, evoked memories of previous seasons.Viktor Gyökeres proved his impact this season, but injuries to key players could immediately test Arsenal’s depth.But everything changed with the arrival of the new signings. Noni Madueke was Arsenal’s most dangerous player in the first half hour, but it was another newcomer, Martin Zubimendi, who opened the scoring with an impressive volley in the 32nd minute.
Madueke’s corner was cleared towards the edge of the area, where Zubimendi connected a shot that left Murillo with no options.
Ødegaard was replaced by Ethan Nwaneri, who recently signed a new contract. Eberechi Eze, in his debut as a starter, provided his first assist for Viktor Gyökeres to score his third goal in four appearances.
Zubimendi surprised everyone by scoring with a header after a cross from Leandro Trossard in the 79th minute.
This combination demonstrated the depth of the squad recently acquired by Arsenal. Last season, the absence of key players such as Bukayo Saka, Ødegaard, William Saliba, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Declan Rice on the bench would have affected the team’s ability to compete for the title.
Although it’s early to judge whether Arsenal will keep up the pace, there were encouraging signs. Cristhian Mosquera replaced Saliba with a solid performance, while Madueke outperformed Morata from the first minute.
Instead of relying on the inconsistency of Gabriel Martinelli and Trossard, they can now be used as substitutes to impact the game.
Postecoglou had an immediate impact at Tottenham Hotspur, but it was unfair to expect the same at Forest, as he didn’t have a pre-season with the group.Viktor Gyökeres scores after the assist from Eberechi Eze, extending Arsenal’s lead.Forest tried to press and show offensive intention, but it quickly dissipated, offering little and being vulnerable to counterattacks. Forest suffered an injury, Murillo, in the 38th minute, which made the match difficult for Postecoglou.
Arsenal fans celebrated with chants like “You’re getting sacked in the morning” and “They’re Tottenham in disguise.”
The Forest has also invested in signings, but Saturday’s result demonstrated the benefits Arsenal could enjoy this season by adding players to an already consolidated group.
This week, Arsenal will need to demonstrate consistency in performance, with a difficult Champions League match against Athletic Club on Tuesday, followed by Manchester City’s visit to the Emirates on Sunday. A test that will put the Gunners to the test.
