Premier League GW22 - Nottm Forest vs Arsenal

Nottm Forest vs Arsenal | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Arsenal and Nottingham Forest's Premier League match at The City Ground was expected to be exciting, as both clubs were keen to earn important points. Under Nuno Espirito Santo, Forest had found new life and faced Arsenal, who were trying to catch up to league leaders Liverpool.

Nottm Forest:

Prior to Nuno Espirito Santo taking over, Forest had gone seven games without a victory (D1 L6). Since then, the Portuguese manager has overseen just one loss in his six games in charge (W3 D2), but that did occur in their most recent Premier League matchup, a 3-2 loss to Brentford. Following five games in which they scored a lot of goals under Nuno, Forest's most recent FA Cup match ended in a 0-0 draw away at Bristol City, sending them to a replay.

Arsenal:

Last season, Arsenal's dreams of winning the title were destroyed by a 1-0 loss in this very same match, and as they aim to catch up to Liverpool at the top of the league, they will be hoping to avoid a similar result this time around. They won just one of their seven games in all competitions (D3 L3) prior to their mid-season break, showing signs of weakness. However, they returned from their hiatus with a decisive 5-0 victory over Crystal Palace. They haven't won any of their last three trips to The City Ground in all competitions, though, and they've lost their last three away Premier League games (D1 L2).

Line ups:

NOTTINGHAM FOREST STARTING XI (4-2-3-1): Matt Turner; Gonzalo Montiel, Andrew Omabamidele, Murillo, Harry Toffolo; Orel Mangala, Danilo; Nicolas Dominguez, Morgan Gibbs-White, Neco Williams; Chris Wood.

NOTTINGHAM FOREST SUBS: Odisseas Vlachodimos, Felipe, Ryan Yates, Joe Worrall, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Taiwo Awoniyi, Anthony Elanga, Wayne Hennessey, Brandon Aguilera.

ARSENAL STARTING XI (4-3-3): David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Oleksandr Zinchenko; Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Emile Smith Rowe; Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli.

ARSENAL SUBS: Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah, Kai Havertz, Aaron Ramsdale, Cedric Soares, Jakub Kiwior, Jorginho, Leandro Trossard, Reuell Walters.

City Ground | Picture Credits: Football Ground Guide

First Half: Dominance and Near-Misses

Arsenal dominated possession in the first half, but Forest's tenacity held the Gunners at bay. Arsenal had 81% of the possession, but they were unable to penetrate a tight Forest defence. Turner, the keeper for Forest, showed off his abilities by stopping Jesus and Smith Rowe.

Arsenal's Arteta hurriedly jogged out the tunnel as the halftime whistle blew, eager to face his team's concerns in the final third. Due to Forest's cohesive defence, Arsenal's attacking strength was thwarted, forcing both managers to make calculated choices.

Awoniyi of Forest won the free-kick, and Gibbs-White delivered a well-placed cross, but Williams' header went straight at Raya, the Arsenal custodian.

Second Half: Goals and Drama Unfold

The second half got underway with more vigour. Saka of Arsenal put Turner to the test with a forceful shot that indicated a change in pace.

Zinchenko threw a long pass to Arsenal's Jesus, who turned and drove into the box in a flash of brilliance. He sent a low shot through Turner's legs from a tight angle to give Arsenal the lead.

Odegaard received the ball from Montiel's defensive blunder, and he found Jesus on the left. Saka was on the edge of the box when Jesus, with an exact cross, found her. Saka's low effort beat Turner and increased Arsenal's advantage to two goals.

Awoniyi of Forest turned the tide late in the game by putting the ball past Raya after Montiel's perfectly timed cross. The score was now 2-1.

Arsenal managed to hold on for a 2-1 victory despite Forest's late assault. Jesus' opening goal demonstrated individual skill, and Saka's precision finish gave the game away. Drama was increased by Awoniyi's late score, but Forest was unable to complete the comeback.

Arsenal's Ascent Continues

Arsenal is now only two points behind Liverpool in second place as a result of the victory. Arsenal will play a pivotal match against Liverpool this coming weekend in an attempt to narrow the difference even more. After the close loss, Forest is now in 16th place and has a difficult matchup with Bournemouth soon.

Arsenal celebrated their well-earned victory as the final whistle blew, while Forest lamented their wasted chances. The Premier League never disappoints when it comes to exciting matches, which keeps supporters excited about what is ahead this season. Until we meet again, bye!

A goalless first half | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Jesus broke the deadlock for Arsenal | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Saka scored the second goal for Arsenal and gave them a 2-0 lead | Picture Credits: Premier League Website

Awoniyi's late goal for Forest | Picture Credits: Premier League Website