Pain in the Arsenal
Fansided

5 reactions from Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest

By Victor Salazar

Arsenal's English midfielder #07 Bukayo Saka (R) celebrates scoring the team's second goal with Arsenal's English striker #14 Eddie Nketiah during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium in London on August 12, 2023. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal's English midfielder #07 Bukayo Saka (R) celebrates scoring the team's second goal with Arsenal's English striker #14 Eddie Nketiah during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium in London on August 12, 2023. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Gabriel Martinelli dazzled in the first half. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Gabriel Martinelli dazzled in the first half. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

2. Martinelli looks like Martinelli

Chasing trophies in the Premier League means Arsenal have to be at their very best. Leandro Trossard being in form has put pressure on Gabriel Martinelli and he responded. When given the opportunity with the ball, the Brazilian flashed. His turn and pass on the first Nketiah goal was fantastic. He looked a bit off in pre-season, but it looked like the old Gabby in the first half on Saturday.

3. Where Does Kai Havertz fit?

That question can still not be answered. Havertz started in the midfield with Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice as Arteta switched to a fluid 3-1-6 possession structure.

Forest were tight all first half, and it seemed like it was hard for Havertz and others to get their footing in the game. Once Arsenal opened Forest up, Rice and Odegaard found their stride while Havertz was still a step behind.

In the second half, he took over the 9 role when Trossard came on for Nketiah. While he made a run on an aerial pass that he assisted with a handball, he was mostly ineffective. As the match was nearing the final whistle, Arsenal had a counter with more men in the attack than Forest had defenders. Havertz had the ball and waited too long before getting in the box to make a decision which led to nothing. A quicker reaction or pass maybe gets the third goal and a bit of relief for the Emirates crowd.

It’s only one match but Havertz looked a step behind.

Continued on the next slide…

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