The Daily Star Ireland
The Emirates Stadium will play host on Friday, September 13, as Arsenal welcome Nottingham Forest in a Premier League fixture that combines high stakes with tactical intrigue. Both sides enter the contest with very different storylines—Arsenal chasing momentum in the early title race, while Forest wrestle with managerial instability and a patchy start to the season.
Arsenal’s Early Season Push
Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have opened the campaign with two wins and one defeat, placing them third in the table. While results have been positive overall, the squad has been hit by a growing injury list. Key players Bukayo Saka (hamstring), William Saliba (ankle), Kai Havertz (knee), and Gabriel Jesus (ACL) are all sidelined, forcing Arteta to rotate heavily.
Fortunately for the Gunners, reinforcements have stepped up. Summer additions Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyökeres have provided fresh attacking options, while Leandro Trossard’s return from a minor knock adds creativity and flexibility in the final third. Arsenal’s hallmark possession-based football, combined with relentless pressing, ensures they remain dominant at home, where they have built one of the league’s most intimidating records in recent seasons.
Forest in Turmoil
Nottingham Forest arrive in North London with uncertainty hanging over them. Just three matches into the season, Nuno Espírito Santo was dismissed following a public breakdown in relations with owner Evangelos Marinakis. With no permanent successor named yet, Forest travel without clear tactical direction—a worrying prospect against one of the Premier League’s most structured teams.
Their squad, however, has seen notable changes. Former Gunner Oleksandr Zinchenko made the switch to Forest in the summer, and Dan Ndoye has impressed with a goal and two assists in the early fixtures. Even so, their 3-0 defeat to West Ham laid bare defensive weaknesses and a lack of cohesion. With striker Taiwo Awoniyi still unavailable, much of their attacking burden will fall on Ndoye and Morgan Gibbs-White.
History and Tactical Edge
Arsenal have historically held the upper hand in this matchup, particularly at the Emirates. Their most recent home meeting ended in a 3-0 win for the Gunners, a scoreline that reflected both dominance in possession and defensive control. Given Forest’s inconsistency on the road, the challenge this time looks equally daunting.
The midfield battle will likely define the game. Arsenal, anchored by Declan Rice and Martín Zubimendi, are expected to control tempo and possession. The potential return of Martin Ødegaard from a shoulder issue could prove pivotal, offering leadership and creativity that often unlock stubborn defenses.
Prediction: Arsenal to Stay in Control
While Forest may find a moment of inspiration—perhaps from a counterattack or set piece—Arsenal’s structure, depth, and tactical clarity should prove decisive. Expect a competitive opening half, but the Gunners’ quality should shine through after the interval.
Prediction: Arsenal 3 – 0 Nottingham Forest
