Arsenal secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory away against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday evening, narrowing the gap at the Premier League summit.
For 64 resolute, albeit challenging, minutes, Forest held a steadfast defense. Arsenal’s effectiveness from dead balls proved crucial once more, as a clever throw-in (aided by Matt Turner’s positioning) resulted in Gabriel Jesus opening the scoring. Bukayo Saka extended the visitors’ lead just seven minutes later.
Taiwo Awoniyi reduced the deficit late in the game, setting up a tense stoppage time. However, Arsenal held on to their slim advantage, now trailing league leaders Liverpool by only two points.
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Game Overview:
Nuno Espirito Santo, after witnessing Forest concede eight goals in his initial four league games in charge, instilled a clear emphasis on shoring up the defense. In a predominantly one-sided first half, Forest’s defensive formation was so deep that the home center-backs were jostling for space with the first row of the Trent End.
Arsenal dominated possession, completing over 100 passes inside the final third before Forest managed their second. Despite the visitors’ persistent attempts, their closest chance came from Oleksandr Zinchenko’s hopeful delivery into a crowded penalty box. Saka almost capitalized, but the ball narrowly missed Forest’s goal.
Arsenal finally broke through with an intricate series of passes they had been attempting throughout the game. Odegaard and Saka combined to set up Jesus, whose shot hit the post but found the net after a fortunate deflection off Turner’s legs.
With three-quarters of the game navigated effectively, Forest paid the price for a momentary lapse. Jesus, unmarked at an Arsenal throw-in, capitalized, scoring between Turner’s legs.
As Forest’s defensive structure loosened, Arsenal exploited the space. A hasty clearance by Montiel initiated a rapid counter-attack in the 72nd minute. Eight seconds after the wayward clearance, Saka found the bottom corner.
Emile Smith Rowe’s return to Arsenal’s starting XI dominated pre-game discussions, but Forest welcomed back an equally crucial figure. Awoniyi, introduced at halftime, showcased his agility and aerial prowess, bullying Arsenal’s physical presence William Saliba before bringing Forest back into contention in the 89th minute. Stoppage time saw Awoniyi with another opportunity, but David Raya made a crucial save to secure the victory.