With international breaks now on hold until March, Arsenal finds itself with a golden opportunity to refocus and reignite their Premier League title ambitions.
The pause in domestic action may have come at just the right time for Mikel Arteta’s side, who needed to regroup after a frustrating four-game winless run in the league. This dip in form has seen the Gunners fall nine points behind the current leaders—a daunting gap even at this early stage of the season.
This weekend’s clash offers Arsenal a chance to turn the tide, as they welcome Nottingham Forest to the Emirates Stadium. Historically, the Gunners have had the upper hand in this fixture, winning six of their last seven Premier League meetings with Forest. The familiarity of home soil should also serve them well, with Arsenal riding an eight-match unbeaten streak in league games at the Emirates. Remarkably, they haven’t lost a Saturday home game in the top flight since April 2022—a run that underscores their dominance in front of their own fans.
Nottingham Forest, however, is no pushover. If someone had predicted they’d be level on points with Arsenal after 11 rounds, few would have believed it. Yet here they are, sitting comfortably in the top half of the table, sparking dreams among their supporters of a return to European football. The club, with its storied history as back-to-back European Cup winners in 1979 and 1980, hasn’t graced the continental stage since the mid-1990s, but their current form suggests they could end that long absence.
A key factor in Forest’s resurgence has been their impressive form away from home. They are unbeaten in seven consecutive league games on the road, a run stretching back to last season. Notably, they’ve already faced three top-six sides away this term and come away unbeaten in all those encounters. With a fearless mentality and a tactically astute manager in Nuno Espírito Santo, Forest will relish the challenge of taking on another league heavyweight.
For Nuno, the Emirates Stadium holds no fear. The former Wolves boss has only lost once in four managerial visits to Arsenal’s home ground, a record that speaks to his ability to set up his teams effectively in high-stakes matches. His tactical acumen could be crucial once again as he looks to guide Forest to another statement result.
Arsenal, meanwhile, will look to their Brazilian starlet Gabriel Martinelli for inspiration. The winger scored in their 1-1 draw with Chelsea before the international break and boasts an impressive record against Forest, with three goals and an assist in five previous meetings. Interestingly, Martinelli has a habit of being a lucky charm—his nine club appearances before the Chelsea game all ended in Arsenal victories. His creative spark and relentless energy could prove vital in breaking down a disciplined Forest defense.
Forest will counter with another Brazilian talent, Murillo, who has quickly become an integral part of their side. The defender scored his first senior goal just before the international break and has shown composure beyond his years. Known more for his passing ability than his goal-scoring, Murillo averages more passes per game than any of his teammates—a testament to his role in building play from the back.
As for the broader narrative, this fixture has often delivered goals at both ends, especially when Nuno Espírito Santo is involved. Seven of his last eight matches against Arsenal have seen both teams find the net, hinting at an open and entertaining contest. Forest’s confidence, coupled with Arsenal’s need to get back on track, should create a fascinating tactical battle.
Arsenal’s fans will be eager for a response from their side, especially after recent struggles. The Emirates crowd can play a key role, offering unwavering support as their team looks to reclaim their swagger. Forest, on the other hand, will aim to spoil the party, armed with the belief that they can compete with the league’s elite.
While Arsenal is the favorite on paper, Forest’s fearless approach and strong away record mean an upset isn’t out of the question. With both sides motivated for different reasons—Arsenal to close the gap at the top and Forest to continue their dream start—the stage is set for an engaging Premier League showdown.
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