Match report – Player reviews – Arteta -Reaction – Video
I tried to imagine how it could have gone into the not too distant past when Arsenal played a game without Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and William Saliba because they were injured. How it could have been with Declan Rice, Ben White, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli all on the couch. How we might struggle after we had lost Martin Odegaard so early.
Yesterday was a demonstration of the newly found depth of Arsenal, because without all those players of whom most of them were absolutely fundamental for our best form and performing, we were through a match against Nottingham Forest and we were earned winners. Yes, they are in a little unrest and have fired their very good manager and a former SP*RS boss, but still. Credit where it owes, M8.
Mikel Arteta started Crasshian Mosquera for the first time and used a completely new front three from Noni Madueke, Ebereechi Eze and Viktor Gyokeres, who have never played together before. Odegaard ran on a repeat of his shoulder injury after another uncomfortable landing meant an early change in which Ethan Nwaneri replaced the captain in the 17th minute.
On the right, Madueke enjoyed herself against the forest that remains, who apparently drove him past him and demonstrated a ruthless drive that eventually paid dividends. We had four corners between the 28th and 32th minute. The delivery of Madueke from the left was consistently good, and in the absence of rice on the other hand, Eze put a right under the bar that led to the corner from which we opened the score.
I don’t know if it is officially categorized as a purpose of a set piece. I don’t think that really does justice, to be honest. Forest led it clearly to the edge of the D, but Martin Zubimendi waited to unleash an excellent volley that flooded the head of a defender before hit the back of the net. An absolutely sensational attack, and what a way for him to open his Arsenal account. It was a goal that also came at a good time. We had been on top without really making clear opportunities, so this illuminated the pressure in that sense.
On the other hand, there was a short flash of danger in our box when Morgan Gibbs-White was played, but excellent defense against Jurrien Timber prevented him from getting his shot at goal. And early in the second period it was 2-0. Riccardo Calafiori, who had spent the first half here and everywhere, was in Gabriel’s position. He played a nice ball over the top for Eze, whose first time Cross was tucked away by Gyokees. It is always good to score, but when you see the shoots of a relationship develop between two players who will be very important to us, it is even better.
I also think it is a pleasant goal, because it is not the kind that we score often enough. Calafiori takes the ball here and 9 seconds later he is in the back of the net.
I am not saying that we will go route one all the time, but a little more directness, especially with some of our forward options, would not be a bad thing now. And you could see Calafiori who wants to make that pass, look for the runner along the line, so you have to think that these are things they worked on a bit.
I don’t think there was a chance that Bos was mounted a comeback, but Chris Wood almost one in his nipple. David Raya received fingertips before it came from the bar, and Mosquera (more on him Anon) made a great tackle to prevent a shot at a short distance from the rebound. Arteta made changes with Rice and Myles Lewis-Skelly that stood up for Gyokees and Calafiori, before Trossard and Martinelli replaced the two broad men. The first then offered the assist for the third goal, a smart header from Zubimendi who absolutely sealed the match. He might be a more peripheral figure this season, but I would much prefer that we had the Belgian international in the team than € 20 million that was said to be offered (but not very seriously) from a club in Turkey. Players make goals, no cash in the bank.
Then a satisfied Arteta spoke about the depth that was available to him and its impact on yesterday’s game:
If we hadn’t done that with the injuries we have, some of them are unfortunately very difficult to control, we would be in a completely different place. We knew that was the standard of the other teams in the competition and in Europe, and you can see that. I am very happy because it gives us options, it also gives us the capacity to change games, to be of presence in the team. Now we have to ensure that everyone feels connected and important.
I thought he was very interesting when he explained why he also chose Mikel Merino on Declan Rice in midfield and said:
Mikel comes back after scoring four goals in two games [for Spain] With a really high emotional condition and I want to use that when a player is at that time. I want to play him because he is going to bring something else with the qualities they have and Declan come in and it will have an immediate impact or he will play the next game. That is what we need to try to manage the best possible way.
I like that. I thought Merino was really good yesterday, far from just another DM with a part of his footwork and movement, but we also have a big week ahead. Athletic Club on Tuesday, then Man City next weekend. Do we get better rice if he doesn’t have to play for 90 minutes in every game that leads to the big against City? Probably. And this is how this season is going. Even with the injuries there was no room for Christian Norgaard on the couch yesterday, and there will be players who are not as involved as they just want because of our songs. It is something that serious management of Arteta requires, but as I have often said, he will enjoy that challenge much more than the alternative that if you have to remind us of last season, he does not have much on the couch to change games if you really need it.
A word also for Mosquera who was really impressive at his first Arsenal start. We got a taste of his talent when he had to come to Anfield and did not look remotely, but the best compliment I can pay it this morning is that it seemed as if the manager said: “Go outside and do your best William Saliba,” and he hit it out of the park. He has the kind of calmness and presence that you rarely see in defenders of that age, and his reading of the game yesterday was flawless. Early days clear, but what a snip he sees to € 15 million.
You could go through the team and give almost everyone their flowers. I thought Calafiori was very good again; Wood an absolute pit bull of a full-back that must be a nightmare to play against; The end product of Zubimendi was a beautiful icing for the cake of his overall performance; And there was a lot to be found on Eze and Madueke who bring different qualities to the wide areas. All in all, a very solid day work, and attention now turns to the Champions League on Tuesday.
Exactly, I will leave it there for the time being. Later I go to Bilbao for that game, but don’t worry, we already have an extra Arsecast for you. James and I recorded last night, so find it below or at all the usual podcast places. Enjoy!
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