There’s something special about returning to the Emirates after an international break. The anticipation builds, the crowd is hungrier, and the players know this is the moment to set the tone again. On Saturday, Arsenal welcome Nottingham Forest – a side under the new stewardship of Ange Postecoglou – but make no mistake, this is a match the Gunners must seize to keep their title challenge on track.
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**Bouncing back after Liverpool**
The defeat at Anfield stung. Not because Arsenal played poorly, but because it was a reminder of just how high the bar is at the top of the Premier League. You can dominate long spells, you can create chances, but if you switch off for a moment, the game slips away. That’s the reality of chasing trophies.
Arteta’s men have no time to dwell. Forest arrive with the new-manager bounce, but Arsenal have the advantage of being at home and having already shown glimpses of devastating form this season – just ask Leeds after that 5-0 dismantling. The Emirates faithful will expect a response, and the players know they have a point to prove.
**Injury setbacks and opportunities for other**s
It wouldn’t be Arsenal without a few injury concerns.
William Saliba’s absence is a huge blow. His calmness, his positioning, the way he organises those around him – irreplaceable qualities. Bukayo Saka, too, misses out. For years he has been the heartbeat of this team, and without him the right flank feels unfamiliar.
But Arsenal are not short of options. This is where depth matters.
* **Noni Madueke** has been electric when given the chance, and with Saka sidelined, this is his moment to step into the spotlight.
* **Eberechi Eze** could make his full debut. Arsenal fans are desperate to see him unleashed from the start, bringing flair and unpredictability to the left side.
* **Viktor Gyökeres**, powerful and relentless, offers a different kind of threat up front, one that Forest’s defence might struggle to contain.
And let’s not forget: **Cristhian Mosquera** who came in and performed so well in place of Saliba against Liverpool. Every setback opens a door for someone else, and Saturday feels like one of those occasions.
**Forest under Postecoglou**
Ange Postecoglou’s Forest will not come to sit deep and soak up pressure. That’s not his style. Expect them to press high, push their full-backs on, and try to play on the front foot. It’s a bold approach, but it also leaves them exposed.
This is where Arsenal must be ruthless. Catch Forest high up the pitch, play through the first line of press, and suddenly there’s space to exploit. The Emirates pitch will feel enormous if Arsenal move the ball quickly enough.
Forest will fight, no doubt. A new manager brings belief and energy. But belief only takes you so far when you’re up against a side with Arsenal’s firepower.
Forest will come to play, but Arsenal should have too much quality, too much control, and too much firepower. Expect moments of tension, especially if Forest press well early, but the Gunners’ attacking depth should shine through.
**Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest**
Eze to mark his first full start with a goal, Madueke to dazzle, and Gyökeres to bully his way onto the scoresheet.
This is the kind of game Arsenal must win if they want to be champions. And with the Emirates behind them, expect nothing less than a strong response.
**DJ**