Arteta’s surprise and Saliba justifies claims as Arsenal thrash Forest

Arteta reflects on Arsenal's defeat at PSV

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta found a new weapon from the bench and witnessed another classy display from William Saliba on Sunday as Nottingham Forest were thrashed 5-0 at the Emirates. To everyone’s surprise, Reiss Nelson emerged from the sidelines to notch two goals and an assist while Saliba kept the Tricky Trees’ attack under wraps, justifying claims that he may well be the Premier League’s best defender at present. As the Gunners shoot back up to the top of the table, Express Sport takes you through five things we learned from a one-sided showdown…

Nelson eases Arteta fears

Arteta openly discussed Arsenal’s lack of squad depth during the midweek trip to PSV Eindhoven. A rotated side was beaten 2-0 in the Netherlands but, against Forest, Nelson proved that he’s an option the Spaniard can count on going forward. 

A quickfire brace put the Gunners in control after the break as Nelson began by sitting down two Forest defenders, seeing his shot saved by Dean Henderson and converting the rebound before he grabbed his second moments later by turning in a low cross. If Bukayo Saka is set for a spell on the sidelines, a confident Nelson could ensure that they maintain their cutting edge. 

JUST IN: Arsenal stars dedicate Gabriel Martinelli goal to Pablo Mari after stabbing

Saliba shows class

Saliba has arguably been the best defender in the Premier League this season and he oozed quality against Forest on Sunday. The away side attempted to hit Arsenal where it hurt by knocking balls over the top to Taiwo Awoniyi and Jesse Lingard, but the Frenchman was simply too quick for either of them to get by. 

Physically, Saliba is at the elite level of centre-backs and he showed that he has plenty to offer on the strength front, too. One of the biggest cheers of the afternoon was sparked by the 21-year-old putting Awoniyi, who is certainly no weakling, on the deck in a shoulder-to-shoulder battle. 

READ MORE
Arsenal can finally land winger signing by beating Man Utd to discounted £25m bargain
Man Utd told PSV ‘will now accept’ £25m for Cody Gakpo after Erik ten Hag transfer talks
Diego Costa shown first-ever Premier League red card after headbutt on Ben Mee

Saka scare causes concern

The winger was forced off through injury in the first-half as Arsenal and England supporters hold their breath to find out the diagnosis. The Three Lions international tormented Forest left-back Renan Lodi in the opening stages, grabbing an assist by crossing in for Gabriel Martinelli before setting up another high-quality chance for Gabriel Jesus. 

Saka took a couple of knocks in the process, the first of which earned Lodi a warning while the second was waved away. The Arsenal star played on for a few minutes but eventually slumped back down to the turf before being replaced by Nelson. With the World Cup a matter of weeks away, it remains to be seen whether Gareth Southgate’s plans are affected. 

Jesus missing killer instinct

Arteta can take encouragement from the fact that Jesus still gets heavily involved in games, even if he’s not scoring. But the Gunners boss may be slightly concerned that his Brazilian forward drew another blank on Sunday, given the amount of chances that fell his way. 

An early shot flew a whisker wide of the post and he failed to hit the target from just outside the box after an Odegaard lay-off. The most concerning of all came in the second half, however, as a simple one-on-one should really have nestled in the far corner but the finish was poked away by one of Henderson’s feet. 

Xhaka gives Arsenal crucial ingredient

Granit Xhaka’s more adventurous midfield role proved tricky for Forest to deal with on Sunday. Early on, he was found over the top to put in a cross for Martinelli after hovering on the shoulder of the last defender – the kind of thing you’d never have seen from the Xhaka of old. 

It seems as though opponents still don’t quite know what to make of the new-look Xhaka, which gives Arsenal an element of unpredictability. The Swiss was loudly applauded off the field when he was substituted with 15 minutes to play and he returned the love by applauding up to the stands. 

Source: Read Full Article