Arsenal put in a flawless performance in a tricky fixture at a crucial point in the season. As we’ve discussed before, this was a must-win game if we want to continue fighting for the title. The team started very well; the ball flowed seamlessly between the players: Trossard (who’s had a quiet spell recently), Merino (who’s still settling in), and Jesus (who’s lost all confidence). We dominated our opponents, stifled their attacks, and recycled the ball over and over for a new attack. We were back to the “After-Dubai 2024” form, baby!
The team setup and substitutions were spot on:
- We had proper full-backs bombing up and down the flanks.
- We didn’t rush anyone back from injury.
- The squad was rotated effectively, which is vital ahead of the busy festive period.
- All the crucial players – Odegaard, Saka, and Timber were given a breather.
- Rotation players like Jesus, Jorginho, Zinchenko, and Kiwior got minutes into their legs.
- We experimented with Saliba at right-back instead of forcing Partey into that role.
- Ethan Nwaneri got another chance and took it with both hands.
- Martinelli was rested after his long-haul flight.
- Forest barely had a sniff, and we added another brick to our much-needed confidence wall.
My only regret is that, given our slick passing, we didn’t score any team goals to put the game to bed. We relied on individual brilliance to find the net.
Saka – the star man
Bukayo Saka was shining once again. His goal was a thing of pure beauty, the kind that makes you fall in love with football, Arsenal, and the man himself. (Not a boy anymore, since we have a new Starboy now)
But it’s no wonder that he was shining. As I mentioned in the preview, we needed to start deForestation from the wings. Saka, combined with an active Timber and a technically brilliant Odegaard, found himself without double supervision. This freedom allowed him to make his signature runs into the box, creating numerous chances.
To effectively contain Saka, Martin, and Timber, Nuno would have had to commit 4-5 players to the right side. This would have significantly opened up the left side, where Calafiori and Merino were also making their presence felt, as well as the central area, from where Partey curled in a beautiful corner.
It was quite amusing (and inspiring) to see that when we attacked down the left, Trossard, after a few seconds of dribbling, would look up to find Calafiori already in the box, waving at the Belgian. What a player we have there! He certainly leaves space behind him for the opposing winger, but against such opponents, Gabriel managed to provide decent defensive cover.
Overall, I want to emphasize again the importance of starting two proper fullbacks in this crucial December stretch. We need players who can support and free up our wingers, Saka and Martinelli. On the left, Calafiori and Zinchenko looked good today (with MLS as a third option in the pocket).
On the right, our main hope is Timber. Beyond him, we don’t have many great options. It was good to see Saliba tried in that position, but I’m not sure his technique with the ball would allow him to combine with Saka at the necessary speed. I still believe our second-best option there could be Rice when he’s fit, especially considering how comfortable Merino, Jorginho, and Partey looked today.
The Nwaneri chapter
I can’t write this post without dedicating a section to Ethan Nwaneri. Over the past few months, I’ve been debating with fellow Arsenal fans on various platforms about Nwaneri’s potential and Arteta’s management of the young talent.
Many argue that Nwaneri hasn’t been given enough minutes because he’s still young and it’s risky to play him for extended periods. But let’s look at the facts:
- His longest cameo was at St James’ Park – a tough stadium, a very physical opponent, and a match where Arsenal struggled.
- He was given minutes against: Spurs (0-1), Leicester (2-2), Bournemouth (0-2), Liverpool (2-2), Newcastle (0-1), and Inter (0-1).
- He was not given time against: Southampton, Shakhtar, PSG (after Arsenal took a 2-0 lead).
Instead of getting minutes in easier situations where Arsenal had the lead, he was thrown into tough circumstances. Is this careful management of young talent, or is it throwing a 17-year-old into the deep end to try and save games?
The moment Nwaneri was brought on in a comfortable 2-0 lead, he created a chance after dribbling past Forest’s center-back and then scored with his second opportunity.
I can quite definitely tell you now – the boy is bloody ready! He’s the real deal, a real unique talent. Even at his young age, Nwaneri:
- Has excellent technique with the ball. His movement is sharp, and he can change direction even better than Saka. This isn’t hyperbole; it’s my honest observation.
- Has a decent shot.
- Is trusted by his teammates with the ball.
- Looks focused every time he comes on (unlike some past youngsters who looked lost at his age, like Willock or Iwobi).
- Is driving the attack alongside multiple Premier League winners Jesus and Sterling.
Right now, out of all our creative options on the bench, he’s the one who can create the most threat. That’s a fact. He has third most goals scored in the season already with shy 238 minutes. I know that he played in Carabao Cup, but so did Jesus and Sterling and they don’t have 4 goals to their name.
Some youngsters don’t need loans or practice with lower-level teams. Some have such massive talent and skill that they can go directly into the first team. We don’t need to look far for examples: our own Bukayo Saka, Lamine Yamal, Jude Bellingham. Nwaneri is one of those players, and he needs to play regularly, subbing in for Odegaard or maybe even starting in home games.
The Sky commentator told publicly that he just loves watching this kid. Surely, the scouts of our competitors do the same.
So where do we stand?
Despite the win, we’re still behind City and 9 points behind Liverpool.
It’s so pleasing to see a yearly Christmas present from Spurs taking the points of Man City. Today it was done in a mouth watering manner. It was also so warming to see their forward staying humble! What is his name, again? Can’t quite recall.
Liverpool have won narrowly after a ridiculous Goalkeeper mistake. What was he doing there? Why wasn’t Aaron playing? Surely he’d be eager to lend a hand to his old mates. Nevertheless, we’ve been the most impressive team out of the top 4 this weekend. If we keep this up, we’ll be closing the gap on Liverpool come the New Year. We just need to keep up the pressure on our opponents, like we did today.
Coming right up
Next up is Sporting, but I’m not losing any sleep over it. Ideally we need a point, but even if we lose the game, we would not lose any chances in this competition.
So we should be chill about this fixture – not take too many risks, try to hold the ball and make them run. Sporting on the other hand have lost their head coach. If he was a strong motivator or tactician who built confidence in the dressing room, his absence could be worrying before phasing the strong team. From their perspective it’s also better to not take risks this time.
I believe it’s more important for Arsenal to rotate the squad, avoid overplaying key players, and keep the scoreline close. If we approach the game with this mindset, we should at least walk away with a draw!
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