Arsenal

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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It is always dangerous to make snap decisions in football but even I was tempted at the weekend. Were both Arsenal and Manchester City at the beginning of serious long-term declines or just having coincidental short-term slip ups.

‌Arsenal should have been sorely tested against a resurgent Nottingham Forest, but they weren’t. At the game it was clear that there was a chasm-like gulf in class, that the home team never looked like stumbling into.

‌The mutual understanding of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard was extraordinary, bordering on psychic as I totally failed to shut up about during the live BBC commentary. The latter was playing on a different level to anyone else and several levels above every Forest player.

‌Odegaard was sublime, almost balletic, seeing spaces, gliding into them and effortlessly making passes that his opponents couldn’t even imagine. It all reminded me of Kevin de Bruyne and David Silva at their peak.

‌Maybe this comparison speaks volumes. For all the talent in that over 30s gang of KDB, Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan, the level of creativity and control at City has dipped dramatically this season. Arsenal with Odegaard back in the side look as good if not better than ever, and this was without the rested Declan Rice and Kai Havertz.

‌With Ethan Nwaneri the next superstar ready to roll off the production line, the future is looking bright and secure for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal. City may still bounce back from this five-match rut, but while accepting Rodri’s return will help things along, there is still a large and expensive restructuring job on the near horizon.

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Mikel Arteta wants Arsenal to record a "statement" win over in-form Sporting in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The Gunners are 12th in the Champions League table, three points behind second-placed Sporting, who have taken 10 points from their first four matches.

Arsenal have failed to score a goal in their past four Champions League away games, losing three of them, including a 1-0 defeat at Inter Milan earlier this month.

"It's certainly something we have to improve," said Arteta.

"We have made the right steps and, looking back with the way we played against Inter, which is a team that has been so dominant in their league, reached the final of the Champions League which they should have won, to play and dominate that game - but the reality is that you have to make it happen and we didn't.

"Making those steps is what we have to do next. Be ruthless, be efficient in the opposition box and do what we have to do to take the three points away from here."

He added: "It is a great challenge to come here and make a statement and show we are capable against this kind of opponent. Be ourselves and win the game."

Sporting's most recent game in the competition was a 4-1 victory over Manchester City, in one of their final games before Ruben Amorim left for Manchester United.

Amorim's successor, Joao Pereira, said: "Before the game against Manchester City, the players were already thinking that they could reach the play-offs.

"The victory against City is a morale booster, but it only gives us three points. Against Arsenal it's a little different. I think we're ready."

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The Athletic's Rory Smith, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club, about the transitions at Arsenal and Manchester United following the departures of legendary managers:

"You heard it a lot about Liverpool in the summer when people said Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger are the two great examples of how difficult it is to replace a totemic, iconic manager. And in Manchester United's case, yes absolutely.

"It's 11 years without a title. They've maybe managed two actual title challenges in that time. They've won a few cups, those are all valuable trophies and football is about moments - fans remember cup finals more than they remember the year they finished third.

"But United have really struggled to replace Ferguson over that decade because of all the roles he had.

"If you look at Arsenal, it's seven years since Wenger left and that immediate succession was difficult, but since 2019 when Mikel Arteta took charge, it's been a pretty steep trajectory.

"They've come back to the position they've occupied since 2004, which was regularly qualifying for the Champions League, mounting title challenges and being one of England's undoubted elite.

"In the past year or two it's maybe slowed down a bit. That might be because the final hurdle is the hardest, but he has transformed a club that had dipped really far and turned them back into what they were.

"The transition for Arsenal post Wenger is not nearly as long as the one for United."

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

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Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya does not believe he has been affected by changes to defensive personnel enforced by injuries and suspensions in recent weeks.

Although Riccardo Calafiori returned from a spell out injured at the weekend, that came after news that Ben White is set to be out for a few months following knee surgery.

"I don't think it has affected me in any way," said the Spain international before the Gunners' Champions League game at Sporting on Tuesday.

"We have had some injuries but we have a great squad. We rely on anyone that can play in those positions and I know they're going to do their job 100%.

"No matter who plays there, we feel confident that they're going to do the right job."

Raya is Arsenal's undoubted first-choice goalkeeper, having battled with Aaron Ramsdale for a starting position in the months following his move from Brentford in the summer of 2023.

Asked if he felt more settled in his second year at the club, Raya said: "It's a matter of adaptation. Everything has a process.

"At the start of last season, there was a lot of debate and noise outside, but from January it has changed completely. I was more confident, I was showing what I was capable of, and after the summer I felt I was in the right place."

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Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club about the impact of Martin Odegaard's return for Arsenal:

"There's just something there where you feel that with him in the team, in that final third and the way he knits everything together, he's going to be crucial to them.

"This season, they're a team who have so much more to come. It's been an OK start to the season but that's all it's been.

"I think Mikel Arteta has been more pragmatic this season and not as expansive as he has been in previous seasons. Essentially, it's all about if Arsenal get over the line and win the title - the proof of the pudding is in the eating. But in many respects they have been a bit more pragmatic and not so adventurous.

"But I do think Odegaard is key to that. They've missed him for a while and he's been out for long enough to think it's not quite clicked in the final third.

"And then there's always that centre-forward debate. Last season I think I changed my mind about four times about whether they needed a recognised centre-forward."

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

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Arsenal go into their trip to Sporting winless in their past five away games in the Champions League, having drawn two and lost three. They have also failed to score in the past four.

Only one English team has ever failed to score in five consecutive away games in European Cup/Champions League history and that was Manchester United from October 2004 to November 2005.

Nicola Pearson
BBC Sport journalist

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Champions League game at Sporting (kick-off 20:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Arteta confirmed that "everyone who is in the squad is fully fit to start the game", including left-back Kieran Tierney who has returned to full training after a long injury lay-off.

• He said they have been "taking the right steps" to improve their away form in Europe, but the "reality is you have to win games and we didn't". He addded: " We need to be ruthless, much more efficient and, when we get in the opposition box, do what we have to do to get three points."

• On if he is concerned about their league position in the new Champions League format: "We wanted to be higher but this is the position that we are in right now. We have to face it. We have to play in the way that gives us every chance to win the game and fight to do it as quickly as possible. Tomorrow, we have a great opportunity to do that."

• On struggling to score in games away from home in Europe: "We have to show efficiency inside the box at this level with the chances you normally generate in the Champions League is not at the level need to win consistently. Champions League is about boxes, small margins and details. You have to get all of it right to win away from home."

• Arteta said it "takes time to adapt to a new and huge club" for players like David Raya, but added: "He is more confident. He understands his goal and his space in the right way. You can tell he is more composed - he has been brilliant."

• On going on a winning run after the international break last season: "Yes, it is 32 games until next international break. That tells you they are every three or four days. We are going to need everybody at their best and be well prepared. The team is back having almost a full squad available and I notice the huge difference in training and in the team."

• He said it is "difficult to recognise the team two years later" after looking back on Arsenal's last match against Sporting, but added: "Every team evolves. What Sporting have done has been unbelievable. But we have progressed from two years ago so it will be a good test."

Mark Scott
Final Score reporter

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There were a fair few raised eyebrows when the teamsheets came out at the Emirates before Saturday's win over Nottingham Forest, but Mikel Arteta said afterwards that he made the changes as "the players needed it, so they all feel important that they all have something to give".

Having then swept past a Forest side previously unbeaten away from home this season, the move certainly seemed to work.

With Arteta highlighting the importance of squad strength, you wonder how much of an impact thrilling teenager Ethan Nwaneri might be able to have as the campaign goes on.

His latest eye-catching turn - which included a first Premier League goal for the 17-year-old within minutes of his introduction from the bench - provided the icing on the cake in this one, but he could be the difference-maker in much tighter games in the future.

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BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions.

John asked: How do you rate Martin Odegaard, as a player and a captain? Does he have the potential to be thought of as a legendary Arsenal captain, along with the likes of McLintock, Adams, O'Leary and Vieira?

Phil answered: I rate Martin Odegaard very highly, as an outstanding footballer and a fine leader, although I still feel he is growing into the captaincy role and there is a lot more to come from him on both fronts.

If he can lift a trophy, that will help as well - and I do think he has every chance of doing that at some point with this Arsenal team.

You have named some great captains there, including Double-winners Tony Adams and the legendary Frank McLintock. If he gets anywhere near their achievements, he will be ranked among the greats.

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We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, which the Gunners won 3-0.

Here are some of your comments:

Arsenal fans

Matt: Odegaard makes the whole team tick - beautiful footballer to watch. And for the first time, we were watching seven or eight subs warming up most of whom could have started.

Guy: Arsenal played well and controlled the match. Having Timber available to cover White was good and hopefully that back four can stay fit. Having Saka and Odegaard back is important. I think the international break came at the right time for us to get players back and fit.

Ebeiyamba: It was a dominating performance by the Gunners. I can only hope they keep up the tempo. The league title is still within their reach.

Darren: Odegaard completely changes the way we play! What a player, involved in everything, a great leader and unlucky not to get a goal - not to mention that Saka is twice the player with him in the team. They love each other. Nwaneri will be one of the best players ever to wear an Arsenal shirt also!

Forest fans

Doug: Not our best performance, but in fairness Arsenal played a lot better than us. Nuno needs to get the lads to dig deep for our next game as we definitely don't want to lose three on the bounce. But, I do think we can turn it around.

Jim: Toothless performance but against a strong Arsenal team with Odegaard a class above the best of our midfield. We'll bounce back though.

John: We got what we deserved - nothing. We missed Wood, Gibbs-White and Anderson. No bite or creativity in midfield and you could see the goals coming with the gaps. Arsenal are too big and strong in the air so no chance with high balls, defending or attacking - and we did precious little of the latter. Hope our top players are back next week.

David: Awful display. Continue like this and we will looking over our shoulders by Christmas. Offered nothing, deserved nothing. Do not understand why we just did not have a go. Blown away by too good Arsenal.

Chris Collinson
BBC Sport statistician

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Bukayo Saka was the main attacking outlet for Arsenal against Nottingham Forest, with the majority of their attacks coming down the right-hand side.

Saka scored, offered an assist, had six shots, created four chances and had 13 touches in the Forest penalty area.

Martin Odegaard passed 18 times to Saka, which is double what any other player did on the day. William Saliba fed the right winger nine times.

Chelsea have joined Arsenal in the race for Alexander Isak but Newcastle United will demand at least £115m for their 25-year-old Swedish striker. (Teamtalk), external

Aston Villa, AC Milan and Juventus will battle it out with Arsenal for 19-year-old Real Madrid forward Arda Guler, with the Spanish club now understood to be open to letting the Turkey international leave on loan. (Caughtoffside), external

Real Sociedad feel powerless in stopping 25-year-old Martin Zubimendi from leaving the club, with Arsenal and Liverpool both eager to sign the holding midfielder, who is rated at 60m euros (£49.9m). (Todofichajes - in Spanish), external

Want more transfer news? Read Monday's full gossip column

Highlights and analysis from Saturday's seven Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day, you can catch up now on BBC iPlayer.

Listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

• Manchester City 0-4 Tottenham

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "I think we started really well. The sense I was getting in the last 48 hours after the international break, the boys coming together and were all at it.

"It was good to see the impact of the substitutes [Thomas Partey - goal; Ethan Nwaneri - goal; Raheem Sterling - assist]. Everyone has to feel important. It was a good afternoon."

On Martin Odegaard: "It's not a coincidence. The team flows in a different way when he is playing."

On Ethan Nwaneri: "He is the second youngest [Premier League goalscorer] in our history. That's a story in itself. He's brave. You see the reaction of fans and they were singing 'he's one of our own'. I think we have to put brick by brick and make sure the cement doesn't get dry. Hopefully we can build a beautiful thing with him."

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Arsenal’s victory was their 2,000th in English top-flight history, becoming just the second side to reach this milestone after Liverpool (2,068).

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Arsenal's performance, external

What did you make of Nottingham Forest's display?, external

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies

Seven matches make up Saturday's Premier League action, and we will bring you every moment.

• Leicester v Chelsea - 12:30

• Bournemouth v Brighton

• Arsenal v Nottingham Forest (listen on BBC Radio 5 Live)

• Aston Villa v Crystal Palace

• Everton v Brentford

• Fulham v Wolves

• Man City v Tottenham - 17:30 (listen on BBC Radio 5 Live)

Kick-offs 15:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League games this season, against a variety of guests.

For week 12 he takes on The Farm singer and Liverpool fan Peter Hooton.

The Farm's new single, Forever & Ever, is out now and their new album, Let The Music (Take Control), is released in May 2025.

Sutton's prediction: 2-0

Arsenal cannot keep on dropping points and I would be a little worried about them if Declan Rice is not fit enough to feature here.

But at least Martin Odegaard is coming back to full fitness after his injury, and I feel like he will be the difference.

Sometimes it is only when a player is missing that you realise how important they are to a side, and that has definitely been the case with Odegaard, because Arsenal have not been the same without him in the final third.

Odegaard is their one player who is on a different level when he is on the ball, and almost plays a different game. He has that incredible awareness and understanding that allows him to knit everything together, and Arsenal will need that against Nottingham Forest.

Nuno Espirito Santo's side will be stubborn and difficult to break down, we know that. They have already beaten Liverpool at Anfield this season, but I think Arsenal will find a way to win.

Hooton’s prediction: 2-2

This is a must-win for Arsenal because they are already off the pace. Mikel Arteta went from everyone wanting him gone a few years ago, to being one of the greatest things since sliced bread, but now the pressure is back on him. Arsenal have got to win but they are at home and they are a different proposition there so I think they will do it, as long as the crowd don't get too anxious if Forest frustrate them at first.

There is a bit of complacency when teams play Forest because they think they are a bottom-of the-table side, but they are fifth at the moment for a reason. They have surprised a lot of people this season - including us.

Read the full predictions and have your say here

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It is that time of the season where domestic and European games come thick and fast, but who is best equipped to deal with those demands?

"Manchester City are probably in the worst position but it depends who they can get back fit," said former Premier League goalkeeper David James on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"They have already had academy players starting Premier League and Champions League games in the past month.

"City are stretched and will be on the edge if they are bringing in freshly recovered players back in for so many games.

"Liverpool can afford to rest players because of their position in the Champions League and Mikel Arteta seems to be picking the same fit players to be playing all the games so far this season.

"He does start to rotate further into the competitions, and that works for them for now, but that is also when they will start to pick up injuries later on in the season.

"So Liverpool are probably in the best position as things stand."

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds

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