Tuesday’s 2-1 victory for Arsenal at Nottingham Forest served as a reminder of the fine margins that will determine the outcome of the Premier League title race. With the January transfer window about to close, the Gunners have decided against making any expensive attacking additions, instead relying on their existing squad to compete against the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City. This decision reflects a belief in the team’s cohesion and established attacking patterns.
One factor informing Arsenal’s decision not to make a big signing is the fear that it could disrupt the existing cohesion within the squad. The team has developed well-established attacking patterns, and during the match against Nottingham Forest, they showcased their familiar methodology of controlling possession. In fact, Arsenal had a staggering 81% possession in the first half. However, despite their dominance, they failed to produce a single shot on target. This lack of penetration highlighted the potential danger of adding a player who may not fit seamlessly into the team’s style of play.
Faith in Existing Squad
Despite their recent struggles, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has maintained faith in his squad and their ability to compete at the highest level. This faith was eventually rewarded in the match against Nottingham Forest. Gabriel Jesus capitalized on a lapse in the Forest defense to score the opening goal, followed by Bukayo Saka adding a second goal after a swift counter-attack. These goals, which came from a throw-in and a counter-attack rather than a meticulously crafted avenue, demonstrated the adaptability that Arsenal will need in the challenging months ahead.
Arteta praised his team’s maturity and control during the match. Despite the lack of clear-cut chances in the first half, Arsenal remained patient and did not allow Nottingham Forest to break through. The ability to generate chances in various ways is a positive sign for the team’s prospects moving forward. Arteta stated, “We had to be patient, we didn’t allow them to run and we were able to generate chances in various ways which is pleasing. I think we showed a lot of maturity to control the game the way we had to.”
The City Ground in Nottingham held symbolic significance for Arsenal, as this was where they suffered a defeat last season in their title race against Manchester City. The players were charged up for the occasion, eager to rectify the mistakes of the past. Arteta acknowledged the lingering impact of that defeat, stating, “What happened last year was still in our tummy… We wanted to put it right.” The collective memory of the dressing room added an extra motivation for the players to perform at their best.
Despite their strong performance, Arsenal experienced a late wobble as Taiwo Awoniyi scored a goal for Nottingham Forest in the 89th minute. This brought back memories of Arsenal’s vulnerability and further emphasized the narrow margins in the title race. However, Arteta defended his players, emphasizing the positive aspects of their performance. He commended the character shown by Gabriel Jesus, who overcame a knee issue to play and make a decisive impact. Arteta stated, “When you have that mentality, good things are going to happen. I’m really pleased with him.”
The disagreement between Oleksandr Zinchenko and Ben White at the end of the match highlighted the team’s demanding nature. Arteta welcomed the exchange, seeing it as a sign that the players are pushing each other to improve. While the disagreement may have been heated, Arteta viewed it as a positive sign, stating, “They are demanding more from each other. They are not happy with the way they conceded and they are just trying to resolve it. It got a bit heated. But that means that it’s enough. Playing the way we played the result has to be bigger and the clean sheet has to be there.”
Arsenal’s win at Nottingham Forest demonstrated the precarious nature of the Premier League title race. Despite the team’s decision not to make a significant attacking addition, they showcased their adaptability and cohesive playing style. The victory, combined with the players’ hunger for redemption and their demanding attitude towards each other, bodes well for Arsenal’s prospects in the challenging months ahead. As the title race continues to unfold, it will be essential for Arsenal to maintain their discipline, maturity, and belief in their existing squad.
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