Match report – Participant rankings – Arteta response – Video
How good it’s to write down about three factors within the Premier League once more. Sure, there have been a few Interlulls, however you had to return to October fifth for our earlier win – the 3-1 victory over Southampton.
Mikel Arteta’s crew contained a few surprises. There was a uncommon begin for Jorginho, with Declan Rice and Thomas Partey on the bench, whereas the ahead line of Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus was removed from our regular/strongest. We started nicely although, and it seemed as if we’d scored an early purpose via Jurrien Timber, however it was dominated out for offside.
I can’t say for certain if it was, or wasn’t. VAR took an age, and ultimately determined it was, however who is aware of actually? A blur of shoes and body-parts made it very laborious to inform. I additionally do not know how the linesman determined to place his flag up given how tight it was, however it confirmed some early intent from Arsenal.
It didn’t take lengthy to truly go forward although. With Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka combining nicely on the fitting, it was no shock these two have been concerned. A pleasant give and go noticed Saka take the ball on, search for an angle for a shot, and regardless of it showing as if he is likely to be going too far, he rocketed a shot past Mats Sels and into the again of the online. An outstanding end from a participant we nicely know is able to that.
I assumed we performed some good stuff within the first half. Intricate one-touch combos which spoke to a confidence that has maybe not at all times been current this season. Odegaard had an opportunity however couldn’t fairly make ok contact together with his proper foot; Saka compelled Sels into a wonderful save with a primary time shot from a Jesus lay-off; the keeper made a great save once more to disclaim Trossard; and by the tip of the primary 45 we’d had 11 photographs to Forest’s 2, and dominated possession and territory.
There was a half-time change, with Partey changing Jorginho who had been booked within the first half. I assumed he was enjoying fairly nicely, so it’s a bit unlucky, however given how delicate all of the bookings have been in that first half, I perceive why Arteta was taking no probabilities. We’ve carried out the ten males factor sufficient this season already. It was a substitution that paid off too. Partey doubled the lead with a wonderful whipped end from exterior the field, and that gave us respiratory area.
There’s been a lot dialogue of Martin Odegaard in the previous few weeks, and whereas it’s apparent what he brings to the crew by way of creativity, I believe yesterday we noticed another excuse why he’s so vital. His recreation intelligence, his means to manage and dictate the tempo of the sport is second to none. He can harm the opposition within the remaining third, he can transfer them round and power them backwards when he drops deep to select up possession in our half. His heat-map is instructive.
Forest had a few forays ahead within the second half, however barely threatened and couldn’t construct any attacking momentum – largely due to how we managed the tempo of the sport. The captain was key to that, and afterwards, Arteta stated:
Clearly, when he’s within the crew, you possibly can sense one thing is totally different. It’s troublesome to place a finger on it however it’s totally different.
He provides the crew, and people round him, a way of safety when we have now possession, and unsettles the opposition with the sense of chance when he’s probing their back-line for weaknesses. I assumed he was wonderful yesterday, even when it was the younger man who changed him late on who caught the attention.
A cameo that leaves you wanting extra has been a characteristic of Ethan Nwaneri’s season to date. He got here on for Odegaard and instantly posed Forest a risk, curling a shot not too far extensive. It wasn’t lengthy earlier than he received his first ever Premier League purpose, combining with fellow sub Raheem Sterling earlier than ending well contained in the close to submit to make it 3-0. It might need been his first purpose within the league, however it’s his fourth senior purpose of the season after three within the EFL Cup, and with a complete enjoying time of simply 230 minutes, that’s a exceptional return.
Understandably, Arteta was requested about him afterwards, and the clamour that exists to see extra of such an thrilling younger participant. I assumed his reply was actually fascinating, saying:
I’m accountable to construct a profession for him. You need to do this brick by brick. Right this moment he put one other brick. Now we have now to place one other cement, make sure that it doesn’t get dry so we are able to put one other one and that may stick.
Then we put yet one more layer, yet one more layer. If you wish to put 5 in a row consider me it received’t work. We now have to handle not solely his expectation however his load as nicely, which is absolutely vital.
Like everybody studying this morning, I can’t wait to see extra from Nwaneri, however I believe should you learn between the traces, there’s most likely good motive for just a bit warning. For me, it’s not about his expertise, his potential, his means, his mentality – we’ve already seen all of that’s there. He ticks all these containers already. What I believe Arteta is referring to is one thing bodily, the place the knowledge out there to him that’s not out there to us is what’s informing his choice making.
What number of instances have we seen a younger participant burst via at a really early age, and endure the implications later of their profession? Are there some rising pains for a younger man who doesn’t flip 18 till March to cope with? I do suppose there are video games he may have featured extra in when Odegaard was absent, however I’ve to just accept that my exterior view lacks the element of the supervisor and his teaching workers.
I believe what is evident is that he’s somebody we’re going to see increasingly of because the season goes on, and that’s an thrilling prospect. In all competitions he’s our third highest scorer to date, and his means to trigger risk – even when he’s on the pitch for a brief period of time – would possibly nicely see him discover an vital function as a recreation altering sub all through this marketing campaign. Till such time as he turns into a starter, at which level, I don’t suppose there’ll be any trying again.
Total, the supervisor was happy, and defined why he felt his crew have been extra achieved yesterday:
There was one thing else that was totally different. What occurred is that as an alternative of with 12 or 13 gamers, we skilled with 19 for the primary time in six weeks. Abruptly you’re like, wow, competitiveness, the extent, the standard, the understanding, the competitors, every thing rises and that’s why we want each single day to coach at that stage.
That’s right down to the supply of loads of gamers that haven’t been in a position to try this. When that occurs the extent will rise for certain.
You possibly can see with among the subs that he was ensuring to not overload gamers who’ve been out, and even leaving Havertz and Martinelli on the bench all through felt like one thing of a luxurious when you think about what we’ve needed to cope with. All in all, it was simply what the physician ordered. Three factors, three objectives, a clear sheet, and a managed, convincing efficiency. A confidence enhance forward of two away video games this week, with a visit to Portugal up subsequent.
Proper, I’ll depart it there for now. The Arsecast Additional was initially scheduled for this night, however it’ll be out tomorrow as regular, so please be part of us for that. Within the meantime, have an ideal Sunday.
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