Arsenal fans endured a tense finish on Saturday as the Gunners narrowly held on to beat newly-promoted Nottingham Forest 2-1 in their opening Premier League fixture.
The win maintains Arsenal’s perfect record in Premier League openers under manager Mikel Arteta. But their performance contained enough warnings to show the Gunners still have work ahead to achieve their ambitions this season.
The opener highlighted Arsenal’s potential but also their continued areas needing improvement. Big summer signing Gabriel Jesus was sorely missed leading the line, with Eddie Nketiah deputizing tirelessly but lacking the Brazilian’s killer instinct.
New Faces Bedding In
Arsenal’s starting eleven against Forest highlighted the new era unfolding under Arteta this campaign. Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel made their official debuts following summer arrivals, while William Saliba finally got his first Premier League start after three years at the club.
Saliba looked assured beyond his years at the heart of defense alongside Gabriel. The young French center-back barely put a foot wrong on his overdue Premier League bow.
Zinchenko offered an added dimension going forward from left-back with his technical quality. The Ukrainian’s signing from Manchester City adds vital title-winning experience to Arsenal’s youthful side.
Breakthrough for Nketiah
With Jesus not passed fit to start, it fell to Eddie Nketiah to lead Arsenal’s attack. The 23-year-old rewarded Arteta’s faith with a clinical early finish to settle any Arsenal nerves. His 26th minute strike came courtesy of a sublime assist from Gabriel Martinelli.
The Brazilian’s direct dribbling caused Forest problems all game. Martinelli’s clever backheel sent Nketiah through on goal to finally break the deadlock after Arsenal had edged the opening exchanges.
Martinelli Running Riot
At just 21, Martinelli’s sky seems the limit if he can maintain this form. The winger epitomized Arsenal’s bold approach from the off. His glimpses of magic represent Arsenal’s biggest cause for optimism this season.
Bukayo Saka remains another of Arsenal’s thrilling young attackers. His long-range curler doubled Arsenal’s first-half advantage and highlighted the 20-year-old’s importance to Arteta’s gameplan.
Forestry Frustrate Flat Arsenal
Despite Arsenal’s early dominance, openings were hard to come by. Credit must go to Forest’s stout defending under manager Steve Cooper. The newly-promoted side sat deep and denied Arsenal’s playmakers time and space.
Arsenal were restricted to long-range efforts in the opening 25 minutes. Granit Xhaka tested Forest goalkeeper Dean Henderson with a swerving drive during a flat spell.
It took Martinelli’s flash of inspiration to finally unlock the Forest rearguard just after the half-hour mark. Yet Arsenal failed to capitalize on their advantage before the interval.
Arsenal Let Forest Back In
The second half saw Arsenal continue to control proceedings but fail to put the game beyond doubt. The slender scoreline gave Forest hope of mounting a comeback.
Ultimately it took a late save from Aaron Ramsdale to deny Forest substitute Brennan Johnson and preserve Arsenal’s victory. But two late goals for the visitors would have punished Arsenal’s profligacy.
While Arsenal left the Emirates with three points, their performance contained warning signs. The Gunners dominated possession but struggled to create clear openings. Arteta will demand much more clinicality from his array of young attackers.
Baptism of Fire for Forest
Nottingham Forest left the Emirates empty-handed but won plaudits for a spirited display on their Premier League return. Forest’s defensive resilience and set-piece threat troubled Arsenal for large periods.
Building on those solid foundations, manager Cooper will aim to gradually unlock his side’s attacking potential as they acclimate to the top flight. Avoiding relegation remains the realistic target, but Forest proved they will be no pushovers this season.
Bigger tests lie ahead for Arsenal as they balance Premier League and Europa League commitments. But Arteta will be satisfied to see his youthful side grind out an opening day victory. The three points provide a platform, but the performance showed room for improvement. Arsenal’s young guns fired when needed, but must now find consistency as the season unfolds.
Source:
https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/arsenal-beats-forest-2-1-in-epl-opener-delayed-by-ticketing-malfunction
https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/arsenal-beat-forest-2-1-premier-league-opener-2023-08-12/
https://www.nbcsports.com/soccer/news/jurrien-timber-injury-update-latest-news-on-arsenals-new-signing
