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Arsenal secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest this afternoon, displaying renewed determination in the title race.

The Gunners started the game brightly and had the ball in the back of the net within five minutes, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

With Kai Havertz absent and Martin Odegaard returning to the lineup, Arsenal employed a short-passing strategy to break down their opponents.

The tactic was a joy to watch, and it didn’t take long for Arsenal to capitalise, as Bukayo Saka opened the scoring after finding space to unleash a clinical shot.

Forest struggled to respond to Arsenal’s relentless pressure, and the Gunners continued to dominate the early stages of the match.

So, the question remains as to when Arsenal will finally break their non-winning run, but we certainly have much more chance of doing so now that Timber, Calafiori, Merino and Odegaard are all fit enough to make the starting line-up today.

There are a few wildcards thrown in by Arteta as well, like Jorginho and Jesus starting, but Declan Rice starting from the bench. We also have Martinelli, Havertz and Partey being given a rest, which I can only think is because Mikel Arteta has got more than one eye on Tuesday’s visit to Lisboon in the Champions League on Tuesday.

I assume that this means that Arteta thinks he can rest players despite Forest actually being above us in the table, but keeping some players for the much bigger Premier European competition.

So here is his surprising starting XI….

Let’s hope this team can be enough to get us the whole 3 points against a high flying Forest team….

Arteta will reach Arsenal milestone against Nottingham Forest today.

The gooners will fondly remember the first game in which Arteta took charge of the Gunners, in December 2019 the Gunners were in the search for a new manager after the dismissal of Unai Emery. Many names were on the list of the hierarchy at the time but as the days and weeks went on, it was becoming clear that Arteta would be the one to lead us forward.

He could’ve joined us earlier if you can believe it, we had an interest in bringing him in over a year prior to his arrival in 2019. He was a potential candidate to replace Arsène Wenger before we eventually went with Unai Emery in the summer of 2018. Fast forward almost 18 months later in December 2019, Arteta finally got the hard task of dragging Arsenal back to the top.

Inside the first eight months of his career, he was looking to be doing exactly that when he won us the FA cup, followed by a Community Shield win in the summer of 2020. Fast forward four years onward however, we haven’t won anything else since. Despite that sad fact, we have taken massive strides in the right direction in those four years. We went from top four aspirants to firm title challengers under him, but the next step now is to finally get across the finish line.

This season hasn’t inspired any confidence in us finally doing that under him but as we get back to action from the break against Nottingham Forest, we will be hoping to get our season on track again. This will be no ordinary game for Mikel Arteta, this game will mark another special milestone in his career with the Arsenal so far. Indeed against Forest today, Arteta will take charge of his 250th game for the Gunners. A journey that started five years ago is still going on strong and though he hasn’t won anything major yet, I still have confidence in him taking us even further forward!

If there’s one thing Renee Slegers has done well in her time as the Arsenal Women’s manager, it is knowing how to fully utilise the Arsenal women squad. If there’s something most Gooners were ready to go to an argument about, it’s how strong their squad was.

The only issue the Gooners had with the team was the fact that former head coach Jonas Eidevall didn’t know his best team and also wasn’t great at making substitute calls.

7 games in charge, 6 wins, and a draw—one of the great things Renee has done is how she’s handled the Arsenal squad. She’s found the strongest Arsenal team, and while at it, she’s kept everyone happy by making the right substitute calls that have impacted the team.
A number of games, Arsenal have had to rely on the players coming from the bench for game-changer cameos for wins.

On Thursday night, Arsenal versus Juventus could have easily ended 0-0, but substitutes Lina Hurtig and Stina Blackstenius made the difference. Blackstenius set up the ex-Juventus forward for a tap-in that saw her former employers leave London without Champions League qualification.

The difference maker

Cole Palmer’s availability for Chelsea’s crucial match against Arsenal this weekend is uncertain after the forward sustained a knee injury in his previous outing. Palmer has been one of Chelsea’s most consistent and influential players this season, often seen as the key figure capable of delivering the goals and performances the Blues need to secure victories. His ability to drive the team forward and contribute in big moments has made him one of the first names on the team sheet for manager Enzo Maresca.

With Chelsea set to face Arsenal in what promises to be a high-stakes Premier League encounter, the club is sweating over Palmer’s fitness. The attacker himself will surely be eager to feature in such a significant game. However, while Maresca has refrained from providing a definitive update on Palmer’s condition, he did hint at the possibility of him starting, depending on how well he recovers before the match. This has left Chelsea fans anxious, as Palmer has become a pivotal part of their attacking force this season.

Further fueling speculation, Palmer posted an update on his Instagram story, showing himself wearing a ‘Game Ready’ wrap on his knee. This device is used for both hot and cold therapy and is typically used in recovery from injuries. However, it did not provide a clear indication of whether Palmer would be ready for the match, as such wraps are commonly worn during the rehabilitation process, regardless of the player’s immediate availability.

Despite Palmer’s importance to Chelsea’s attacking options, it would be unwise for Arsenal to assume that his presence or absence will decide the outcome of the game. Chelsea is a team with multiple attacking threats, and Arsenal will need to focus on their overall strategy, regardless of Palmer’s fitness.

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Mohammed Kudus has emerged as one of the standout players in the Premier League, yet he is not playing for one of the traditional Champions League clubs. Since his move from Ajax to West Ham, the Ghanaian midfielder has been a key figure for the Hammers. His performances have made him one of the most sought-after players in London, with clubs like Arsenal now turning their attention to his development. It has been reported that Kudus could be playing his final season for West Ham, as bigger clubs are keeping an eye on him, with Arsenal among those monitoring his progress closely.

Arsenal, who have been on the lookout for players to enhance their midfield, see Kudus as a talented playmaker who could add creativity and flair to their squad. His ability to create chances, combined with his technical skill, has made him stand out even when West Ham has struggled in games. His consistent ability to make an impact in matches, regardless of the team’s performance, is what makes him an appealing prospect for top clubs like Arsenal.

The Gunners are in the process of strengthening their squad, and Kudus has become a key target for them. According to Football Insider, Arsenal plans to keep tabs on Kudus throughout the remainder of the season to assess whether he is the right fit for their team. The decision on whether to pursue him in the summer will depend on his continued form, as Arsenal has other targets in mind as well. Kudus has the potential to be an excellent addition to their squad, but he must maintain his high level of performance to prove that he is the right choice for Arsenal.

If Kudus continues to impress and remains consistent, he could be the next Ghanaian to play for the Gunners, following in the footsteps of previous stars from the African nation. However, his future at West Ham and potential move to a club like Arsenal will likely depend on the offers he receives and his performances in the coming months.

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Arsenal is facing a major challenge as Declan Rice is an injury doubt ahead of their crucial Premier League game against Chelsea. The midfielder has been an essential player for the Gunners this season, featuring in nearly every match. However, Rice missed Arsenal’s Champions League game against Inter Milan due to injury and has struggled to recover in time for the Chelsea match.

Hours before the game, Rice still seems to be feeling pain, which puts his participation in doubt. The Gunners have been working relentlessly to get the England international back into the squad, especially now that captain Martin Odegaard is fit to play. The club is in a race against time to assess Rice’s fitness and make a decision on whether he can play through the pain.

According to Football Insider, Arsenal is keen to have Rice in the squad for the Chelsea match, even if he is not 100% fit. The Gunners may be prepared to let him play through pain, knowing how important his presence in the midfield is. Rice has been a standout performer for Mikel Arteta’s side since his summer move, contributing both defensively and offensively. His absence would be a big blow for Arsenal, especially in a game that could be crucial in their bid for the Premier League title.

However, there is a risk that if Rice plays while still injured, he could worsen the issue, which might sideline him for a more extended period. Arsenal’s medical team is likely monitoring his condition closely to determine whether he can make the sacrifice and play through the pain or whether it would be better for him to rest and recover fully.

Rice’s availability remains uncertain, but his determination to play and help his team is a testament to his importance in the squad. Arsenal is hoping for a last-minute recovery, but if he is not fully fit, his absence will be felt by the Gunners in this highly anticipated clash with Chelsea.

Ray Parlour has recently drawn a fascinating comparison between Martin Odegaard and one of Arsenal’s all-time greats, Dennis Bergkamp, as the Norwegian midfielder returns to fitness ahead of the crucial Chelsea game. Parlour, a key figure in Arsenal’s midfield during the club’s glory years, has noted the similarities between the two players, particularly in their technical ability and vision on the ball.

Bergkamp, who is widely regarded as one of the best players to ever wear an Arsenal shirt, was known for his exceptional creativity and precision in finding teammates with perfectly weighted passes. His skill, footballing intelligence, and ability to score stunning goals during his time at the club made him a fan favourite and a pivotal part of the team during Arsène Wenger’s tenure. Bergkamp’s legacy as a technical maestro is one that Odegaard is being measured against, which speaks volumes about the level of respect the Norwegian has earned in his relatively short time at Arsenal.

Parlour, while praising Odegaard’s qualities, made it clear that the comparison should not be taken to mean that Odegaard has reached the heights of Bergkamp just yet. Speaking to Mirror Football, he said, “Well, I look at Bergkamp when I played. I wouldn’t say he [Odegaard] is as good as Bergkamp, but he’s very similar in the way he can see vision and he will create chances. What I’m saying is he can get into little areas, he’s a very clever player.”

Odegaard’s rise at Arsenal has been remarkable since his move from Real Madrid. As club captain, he has shown leadership qualities and a growing influence in midfield, creating vital chances and scoring important goals. However, as Parlour points out, while Odegaard has been excellent for Arsenal, he still has some way to go before he can be considered on the same pedestal as Bergkamp. Odegaard’s next challenge will be to help deliver silverware for the Gunners, something Bergkamp achieved throughout his illustrious career at the club. Only then, after winning major trophies, will the comparison truly hold weight.

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Ethan Nwaneri is quickly becoming one of the most exciting young talents at Arsenal, and it might not be long before Mikel Arteta has to find a regular spot for him in the starting XI. The teenager has impressed with his performances in his limited appearances in the Premier League, Champions League, and Carabao Cup. His flair and maturity beyond his years have caught the eye of many fans and pundits alike.

Despite Nwaneri’s evident potential, Arteta has been cautious with how much first-team football he gives the youngster. The manager is mindful of not overwhelming him too soon, understanding the delicate balance of developing a young player without rushing their progress. However, Nwaneri’s contributions have not gone unnoticed, and as the team looks to improve their form, the question arises: could he be given more playing time in the upcoming matches?

The next test for Arsenal is a high-stakes London derby against Chelsea, and Nwaneri’s cameo appearance in the recent game against Inter Milan has sparked discussion about whether he should start this crucial match. Former Arsenal player Kieran Gibbs has weighed in on the matter, advising Arteta to give the young star a chance. In an interview with ESPN, Gibbs stated, “I would start him there. You could have said over the last months with the results that they have had that he could have played a couple of games and see how it went. Now I think it would be a good time to throw him in.”

Given the team’s recent struggles, introducing fresh talent like Nwaneri could provide a much-needed spark. His creativity and energy might be the injection Arsenal needs as they push to get back on track and win more matches. If Arteta trusts Nwaneri more in the upcoming games, it could mark the beginning of an important phase in his career, helping Arsenal to build a stronger future.

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Arsenal is facing a difficult challenge in keeping hold of William Saliba, who has become one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe. Since establishing himself as a regular in Arsenal’s first team, Saliba has impressed with his performances and is now considered one of the top defenders in world football. His rise to prominence has coincided with Arsenal’s resurgence as one of the leading clubs in the Premier League, and he has been crucial to their defensive solidity.

Despite his standout displays, Arsenal has yet to translate their good performances into major silverware, and the club knows that it must secure some trophies soon to keep their key players satisfied and prevent them from being tempted by offers from top clubs. Saliba’s form has caught the attention of Real Madrid, a club known for its ability to sign almost any player they desire, which has put Arsenal in a difficult position. While Arsenal remains confident that Saliba will stay at the club, there are concerns internally that the allure of Real Madrid could be too strong for the defender.

However, recent reports have provided Arsenal with a sense of relief. According to Four Four Two, Real Madrid may have shifted their focus away from Saliba and towards another young defender, Castello Lukeba of RB Leipzig. The report suggests that Real Madrid may now prioritise signing Lukeba, a promising talent in the Bundesliga, rather than continuing their pursuit of Saliba.

For Arsenal, this could be great news, as it would remove the looming threat of Real Madrid signing one of their most important players. Still, given Real Madrid’s track record in the transfer market, the Gunners will remain vigilant and continue to work on securing Saliba’s future at the club.

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Arsenal is reportedly among the clubs interested in signing Jonathan David as his contract nears expiration, which could offer a valuable solution to their recent scoring challenges. Despite a strong start to the season, Arsenal’s form has waned, with goals proving harder to come by in recent weeks. Many fans and analysts have observed that the club missed an opportunity to add firepower to their attack in the summer transfer window when they chose not to sign an additional striker.

In the summer, Arsenal was linked with several forward targets, including Benjamin Sesko, who ultimately chose to stay at RB Leipzig. Rather than pursue other options, Arsenal opted not to bring in a new striker. However, with their recent struggles in front of goal, adding a proven scorer like David could give the team a much-needed boost in the second half of the season. Waiting until the summer could prove risky, as David would be a free agent by then and likely attract increased competition from other top clubs.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Arsenal’s competition for David is already significant, with Premier League rivals Manchester United and Liverpool reportedly interested in the Canadian forward as well. Additionally, elite European clubs such as Barcelona and Juventus are also monitoring his situation, making it clear that David’s next move will be hotly contested.

David has proven himself a consistent goalscorer in recent seasons, both in Ligue 1 with Lille and internationally. Known for his pace, movement, and finishing ability, his skillset aligns well with Arsenal’s style, and his goal-scoring consistency could provide the boost they need. Securing David’s signature in January would help Arsenal gain an edge over their rivals and potentially inject much-needed depth and versatility into Mikel Arteta’s front line as they pursue a stronger finish to their Premier League campaign.

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After how long we have been hoping our Arsenal Women will finally rediscover their goal-scoring form, Friday night was very satisfying indeed.
For a long time, our Gunner women’s main setback has been their inability to capitalize on their domination, convert it into chances, and finally score goals. A clinical Arsenal side might have easily won games like the 0-0 draw against Everton and the 1-1 tie with Manchester United. But they didn’t.

Well, on Friday night, they took our complaints with their lack of clinicality personally, thumping a Brighton side that everyone thought was on the rise, 5-0. Prior to their match against Arsenal, the Seagulls had conceded only four goals in six games. However, an unforgiving Arsenal demonstrated their superiority by scoring five goals against them.

By halftime, Beth Mead (13), Caitlin Foord (22) and Frida Maanum (25) had given the Gunners a 3-0 advantage. In the second half, the Gunners only needed to return, keep it simple, play their game, and finish the game for a vital win, but they did the opposite. They still kept the visitors under pressure, with Lina Hurtig scoring in the 76th minute, four minutes after replacing Caitlin Foord, and Alessia Russo converting a penalty in injury time for her second WSL goal in a row.

Renee Slegers couldn’t contain her joy after the game about how her team’s game plan worked. She claims that in order to address their troubles in front of the goal, they spent a lot of time in training working on their offensive concerns, which thankfully paid off.

“I’m really happy for the girls. The investment they put in and that they get the effect today in the game.”

Strangely enough, towards the end of last year, Arsenal went through an awful patch which saw our lead at the top of the EPL table get severely reduced. First of all we drew with Liverpool, which was swiftly followed by defeats to West Ham and Fulham, and was immediately followed by our home defeat to Liverpool in our first FA Cup game of the season.

The Gunners obviously needed to do something and the solution found by Arteta was to take the squad over to Dubai for a week’s warm-weather training in the sun. They came back fully refreshed and set off on a seven-game winning run that put us firmly back in the tight race for the title.

This was recalled yesterday when the media asked Arteta if our current run (losing to Bournemouth and Newcastle with that Liverpool draw in between) was a similar situation to last year and could he turn it around again. He replied: “The results probably were very similar, but the context is very different, because you tend to forget why you lost a full game against Bournemouth, or what happened what we didn’t win against Liverpool or the amount of situations we have had to go through.

“It does not matter, in the end we cannot go to Dubai for a week now like we did last time, we can go to Dubai still for two days – if that’s the solution we’ll go forward and backwards! The team is doing 10 times more better things than we used to do at that period, that’s the positive thing, but for all this to be clear and relevant you have to win, especially to answer certain questions.”

So, we have to beat Chelsea, but that is far from certain in our current form, but it is good to know that Arteta is looking for a similar solution to last season, but really, will just two days in Dubai be enough to get the squad back on track?