Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal | Premier League | Pre Match

Arsenal's pursuit of Liverpool in the Premier League title race looks set to be unsuccessful, but Mikel Arteta’s side will hope to consolidate second place when they visit Nottingham Forest. As the season enters a crucial phase, Arsenal will be looking to bounce back from recent disappointments and reassert themselves as the primary challengers to Liverpool. With just a handful of matches remaining, every point is critical, not just in the race for the title but also in securing a strong finish that ensures a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League. Arsenal, a team known for their attacking prowess and disciplined defense under Arteta, will need to rediscover their form against a Nottingham Forest side eager to create an upset and move further away from the relegation battle.

Wednesday’s meeting at the City Ground pits second against third in the competition, though Arsenal are six points clear of Nuno Espírito Santo’s side. Both sides were defeated at the weekend, with Arsenal slipping to a surprise 1-0 home defeat against West Ham, while Forest fell on the wrong side of a 4-3 thriller at Newcastle United. The weekend results have put extra pressure on both teams, as they seek to rebound from their respective losses. Arsenal’s defeat to West Ham was particularly shocking, considering their excellent form in the weeks leading up to the match. The Gunners had been unbeaten in 15 matches, a run that included dominant victories against several top-tier opponents. However, their inability to break down a resolute West Ham defense exposed some of the lingering weaknesses in Arteta’s squad, particularly in terms of squad depth and attacking efficiency.

Jarrod Bowen's header inspired Graham Potter’s side to victory at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal saw their 15-match unbeaten streak halted in abrupt fashion. Arteta’s men have not lost back-to-back league games since December 2023 – but, coincidentally, the first defeat in that run came at home to West Ham. This worrying trend raises questions about Arsenal's ability to respond to setbacks, particularly in high-pressure situations. Arteta has worked tirelessly to instill a winning mentality in his squad, but moments like these will truly test their resolve. A defeat to Nottingham Forest would not only damage their standing in the league table but also provide psychological ammunition to their rivals, who will be looking to capitalize on any signs of weakness.

Myles Lewis-Skelly was also dismissed in Saturday’s loss, with Arsenal receiving their fifth red card of the Premier League campaign. Only in the 1998-99 (7), 2001-02 (6), and 2010-11 (6) seasons have they been given more red cards in the competition. Discipline has been a recurring issue for Arteta’s squad, with key players often finding themselves on the wrong side of refereeing decisions. While aggression and tenacity are crucial in competitive football, Arsenal will need to be mindful of their discipline, especially in a high-stakes encounter like this one. A numerical disadvantage against a spirited Forest side could prove disastrous.

Arteta will at least take some comfort from Arsenal’s strong record in evening kick-offs, winning 12 of their last 13 to start after 7 pm in the Premier League. They have won their last nine in a row since that aforementioned 2-0 loss to West Ham in 2023. This statistic underlines the team’s ability to perform under the lights, with their tactical discipline and game management often proving decisive in evening fixtures. The Gunners have developed a reputation for grinding out results in difficult circumstances, and they will need to summon all their resilience against a Forest side that has been formidable at home.

However, Forest will fancy their chances at the City Ground. Nuno’s side have won five of their last six Premier League home games, holding Liverpool to a 1-1 draw in the other, which is as many victories as they had in their previous 20 (D4 L11). The transformation in Forest’s home form has been remarkable, with the team turning the City Ground into something of a fortress. Their recent results indicate a newfound confidence, particularly against high-caliber opposition. If they can replicate that form against Arsenal, they stand a realistic chance of causing an upset.

Central to any home hope will be talisman Chris Wood. The Forest forward has been involved in six goals in his last three home games in the competition (5 goals, 1 assist). Wood netted a hat-trick against Brighton last time out on his own turf, marking the first time he has scored in three home games in a row in the competition. His physical presence and clinical finishing have made him a nightmare for opposition defenders, and Arsenal’s backline will need to be at their very best to contain him. Given Arsenal’s struggles against physical forwards in the past, Wood could play a decisive role in Forest’s attacking approach.

The New Zealand international also assisted Nikola Milenković's cute second-half finish at Newcastle, where Nuno was left to rue a first-half collapse that saw Forest slip to 4-1 down after Callum Hudson-Odoi's early opener. Ryan Yates' 90th-minute goal teed up a grandstand finish, though the visitors could not forge a stunning comeback as the defeat left them with just a three-point cushion over Manchester City and Newcastle. Forest’s defensive vulnerabilities were on full display in that match, and if they are to stand any chance against Arsenal, they will need to tighten up at the back.

As for the team news, Carlos Miguel is the only known absentee for Forest. The same can’t be said for Arsenal, who will be without Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and the suspended Lewis-Skelly. The absence of so many key players presents a significant challenge for Arteta, who will need to rely on his squad depth. Players like Leandro Trossard, Emile Smith Rowe, and Reiss Nelson may have to step up and fill the void left by the missing stars.

Ethan Nwaneri, who scored his first Premier League goal against Forest in the reverse fixture, limped off against West Ham, but Arteta put his removal down to “fatigue.” The 17-year-old will hope to become just the second player to score home and away goals against an opponent before turning 18 in a single Premier League campaign, along with Wayne Rooney (vs Arsenal in 2002-03). Nwaneri’s emergence has been one of the bright spots in Arsenal’s season, and his ability to make an impact at such a young age speaks volumes about his potential.

Forest have lost seven of their last eight Premier League games against Arsenal, with the exception being a 1-0 home win in May 2023. While history may not be on their side, Forest’s recent form suggests they have the capability to challenge Arsenal. The Gunners, on the other hand, will be determined to avoid a repeat of that previous defeat.

Nuno’s side were downed 3-0 in the reverse fixture this campaign as Saka, Thomas Partey, and Nwaneri scored at the Emirates back in November. That result showcased Arsenal’s superiority, but as the season has progressed, both teams have evolved, and this encounter promises to be a far more competitive affair. Eddie Nketiah, now of Crystal Palace, and Saka scored before Taiwo Awoniyi's late goal as Arsenal won this exact fixture 2-1 last season, but they haven’t won consecutive away league games against Forest since a four-game run between 1987 and 1990.

Forest boss Nuno has lost each of his last three Premier League meetings with Arsenal (one with Tottenham, both with Forest) and could suffer 4+ consecutive league defeats for just a third time after losing to Benfica (4 from 2012 to 2014) and Liverpool (7 from 2018 to 2024). The Portuguese manager will be keen to avoid an unwanted record and will likely have his team fired up for this challenge.

With so much at stake for both teams, this promises to be an enthralling encounter filled with drama, tactical battles, and moments of individual brilliance.