Arsenal were far from their most exciting or convincing best despite securing a 1-0 victory against Nottingham Forest. The Gunners were fortunate to come away with all three points after struggling to create clear chances, but Mikel Arteta has explained why his team found the match so difficult.
Trips to Forest have rarely been straightforward for Arsenal, and the Gunners knew they would face a challenging afternoon. Although they would have prepared for a difficult contest, their opponents made sure there was little room for them to play their usual attacking football.
Arsenal struggle to break down Forest
Forest had a clear plan and executed it effectively, making life uncomfortable for Arteta and his players. Arsenal struggled to find openings for much of the game, with their opponents remaining organised and limiting the space available in dangerous areas.
The Gunners eventually found a way through when Noni Madueke scored, securing a narrow victory. However, the overall performance was unlikely to satisfy supporters who expected a more dominant display from a team enjoying a better run of form.
Arsenal had to work hard for the result, while Forest will feel disappointed that their disciplined performance did not earn them something from the match. The home side made it difficult for the visitors to establish their attacking rhythm, forcing Arsenal to search for solutions against a well-organised defence.
(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Arteta explains why Arsenal struggled
Arteta believes Forest’s tactical approach was a major reason his team found it difficult to create opportunities. The Arsenal manager acknowledged that his players had expected a stubborn challenge and understood that breaking down their opponents would require patience and precision.
Speaking via ESPN, Arteta explained the problems his side faced and why they struggled to make their chances count.
“We knew we wouldn’t score in the first 20, 30 minutes. We weren’t going to face a different Forest because they are extremely well coached. They put a Christmas tree there. There is no space to play. You have to be so neat and tidy.
“You have to otherwise generate a lot of chaos in the box, whether it is in open play or with set-pieces.
“We did a couple of times and created two big chances. We didn’t even hit the target, which is the difference.”
Arteta’s explanation highlights how Forest’s organisation restricted Arsenal’s attacking options. The Gunners managed to secure the win, but their inability to hit the target with their big chances showed why the match was far more difficult than they might have hoped.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
ADMIN COMMENT
So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….
You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.
CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…
“A big win” Arteta reacts to Arsenal’s victory at Forest 19 October 2026, 12:00
‘We had to dig deep’ Madueke admits it was really tough to win at Forest 19 October 2026, 10:30
David Raya says Arsenal showed “maturity and a lot of desire” to win at Forest