As the world cup looms it is more evident Mikel Arteta’s army means business. With just one loss and a draw this season, Arsenal has so far managed to better Manchester city and hold on to first position after rubbing Nothingham forest's noses in to the ground in a 5 nil defeat at the Emirates, which takes Arsenal home wins to 6 out of 6 for the season and 10 straight home wins dating back to last season.
The first 45 mins were stressful with Arsenal putting in a goal at the 5 minute mark courtesy of Bukayo Saka’s assist and a brilliant diving header from Gabriel Martinelli.
The rest of first half was a disciplined defensive display from Nottingham Forest, trying to get into the game like they did against Liverpool by playing on the break. After a shaky start to their season, Forest have learnt a way to take on the top six. Even though Arsenal played some fluent football in the first half, they still struggled to break through the Forest low block and to make matters worse, Saka had to be substituted for Nelson due to an injury to his ankle.
At the start of the second half Arsenal came out guns blazing, looking to avoid the similar result as their previous match against Leeds which ended in a 1-1 draw after Arsenal had taken an early lead but failed to add to it. Looking as dangerous as ever, the gunners put away 4 goals in the second half with a quick brace from Reiss Nelson together with another Partey long range stunner and Odergaard getting onto the score sheet making it 5 nil to the Arsenal. The results are speaking for themselves as trusting in Arteta's process is turning out to be the best decision the club has made in a long while. With Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers left to be played in the league before the World Cup break it would be very Intresting to see how the Gunners line up in the Europa league tie against FC Zurich after loosing 2 nil away to PSV. This is a must win game if Arsenal are to top the group and avoid the round of 32 which features the Champions League dropouts and a further two matches in an already packed schedule.
It would be very Intresting to see what transfer plans are in place for the January window as the Gunners will surely look to add depth to their squad, especially in the central midfield role.
As it stands Arsenal are first on the table with a 2 point gap on Manchester City, Can the Gunners pull off one of the biggest achievements in English football after a 16 year period without a league title and be regarded as the best of the best again? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain, Arsenal are playing some of the most beautiful football at the moment and the Emirates is alive for what feels like the first time since the Highbury days.
Article by: Altaaf Akoo
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