Forest came to the big city yesterday, minus Nuno of course, but now destabilisingly led by Agent Edu and Agent Ange. I asked myself before the game is Ange another ex-Spud manager and secret Gooner? The Large to Timmy Sherwood’s Little? After all, he did give us 10 points out of 12 in NLDs with some seemingly suicidal selections during his time in the Marshes. Well, the usually forthright Wizard of Oz isn’t saying but yesterday’s game tells it’s own story I think. Cheers mate.
However, enough of him and on to more important matters. It was great to see The Arsenal back after another damned interlull but could they deliver a welcome three points on the auspicious occasion of my birthday? The omens were favourable, Bath had read the runes in his preview and Forest had kindly brought along a couple of fatted, though oddly elderly, calves for the occasion. As I am sure you know by now, Dennis did indeed smile upon us; three points, three nice goals and our third home win on the trot in the PL were all delivered with a performance that was far too good for a limited Forest outfit. I was surprised to find out afterwards it was the first time in just over a year that we had won three homes games in a row. That is something that needs to change this season if we are to win this league. However, two home games, eight goals, none conceded and six points mean we are certainly going about it the right way
1st half
The game kicked off with a side pretty much as predicted, with the exception of Mkel Merino coming in on the left to replace Declan Rice. There were five shiny new summer signings on the pitch including Cristhian Mosquera. His inclusion was I think a show of faith from the manager after his excellent debut at Anfield, especially when you consider there were several more experienced options available, not least of whom was the returning Benjamin White. Our other pre-match doubts Nørgaard, Saliba and Saka were not included at all on what was nevertheless a strong bench.
The game kicked-off on what looked to be a clement early afternoon in North London and we spent the opening few minutes, as appears to be our wont these days, in having a look at how Forest would set up for the game. Once we had worked out their approach – be supine was the plan as far as I could tell – we spent the rest of the game more or less entirely in control of proceedings. Our first chance arrived on seven minutes and to be honest I thought Mikel “Goal Machine” Merino was going to score but Sels got out quickly enough at his near post to smother the shot. However, in the immediate aftermath of that chance the injury gods struck their now customary blow, Captain Øde injuring the same shoulder again when he fell awkwardly after challenging for a loose ball. Although Martin bravely shouldered on for about 10 minutes it clearly wasn’t getting better and Ethan Nwaneri came on just before the 20-minute mark. Half chances came and went after that, a Gabriel header from a Madueke corner was probably the best of them, though, not surprisingly with five new faces, things weren’t quite coming off in the final third. That, however, was to change just after the half-hour when we delivered the goal our dominance deserved, and what a goal it was!
The Arsenal 1 Forest 0
A corner from Noni was headed away by some hapless Forest defender only to drop invitingly on to Zubi’s right foot just outside the D. From there it was despatched splendidly into the Forest net, via a slight defection from another hapless Forest defender. As sweet a strike as you could wish to see.
I did feel we sat back a little after that goal as if to see whether Forest could do anything. Very little was the answer, Gobbs-White hooked, what I think was their first shot, wide on 45 minutes and that was about it. A cracking goal and utter dominance would I think be a fair summary of the first half.
The 2nd Half – The Arsenal 2 Forest 0
Could we basically kill the game with an early 2nd half goal? Yes, in fact, we could and did. Calafiori chipped an inch-perfect long ball over the top of the Forest right-back’s head and into the path of Eze, who looked up and then put in an inch-perfect first time cross for the perfectly placed Victor to despatch straight into the net. A lot of perfects in that sentence! But it was, I thought, a great goal made to look deceptively simple as the ball was moved from the left-hand side of our half to the Forest net in three touches.
The game became a little more open after that as Forest had no real option but to try to push forward. They did have a Wood effort off the woodwork (I am not convinced he meant it but what the hell let’s give him the benefit of the doubt), but apart from that we were largely untroubled and had our own woodwork moment when Victor crashed a shot off the Forest near post with Sels well-beaten for pace.
We kept control of the game through a raft of substitutions on both sides: Viktor, Cala, Nino and Eze went off and Declan, MLS, Martinelli and Leo came on for us. The usefully versatile Mikel Merino went to CF as we reshaped our front three with Gabi and Leo out wide. And it was to be Leo who had the most immediate impact as things turned out.
The Arsenal 3 Forest 0
The third goal arrived just before 80 minutes when the ball came to Leo on the right-hand edge of the area, he steadied it with his first touch of the game and then with his second he swerved in an inviting cross for what I at first thought must be Merino but turned out to be the perfectly placed Zubi rising to nod home his second of the game! How many Spanish midfielders turned centre-forward do we have? Joking aside, it was a nice finish from a good cross and gave the scoreline a fairer reflection of the game. To be fair, I have probably been a touch harsh on Forest as they aren’t a bad side and do have a few decent players, but yesterday we basically outplayed them in every area of the pitch and made them look very ordinary.
The game petered out after that and was played out comfortably to its conclusion, though I did note a spot of rain fell so there must have been a cloud to our golden lining somewhere. I hope our attending ‘Holics remained dry.
All in all, a very impressive piece of game management really. I thought Mosquera was good again, a very timely interception to stop Hudson-Odoi being the highlight. Noni looked good, a well-toasted full-back or two who won’t remember the game with any fondness. Zubi of course with two good goals, Viktor in the right place, and Eze who was involved well in the 2nd half. I suppose Zubi gets the shout for PoTM with a cracking volley and centre forward’s header but everyone was good in truth.
What next?
Well, with four games to play before the end of September, there is plenty to do for Mikel and our Merry Men. First up a trip to Bilbao, followed by C130+y, Port Vale and Riyadh Toon in no particular order of moral bankruptcy. Though I am sure Port Vale are nice really and I believe the Basque Country is pleasant at this time of year. We will need and use the squad of course, though I must admit I am very curious to see the starting XI in Bilbao. That’s about it for now but I trust I will leave you all in good heart after a commanding win yesterday.
Come on You Gunners!!
You’ve nailed it, OM. A comfortable win over a side that was made to look very ordinary.
And a belated happy birthday.
Scruz@previous drinks: you are spot on about Mosquera.
Great write-up Matt.
Only two things to add:
The stadium really came alive for Ange’s song; and
Whenever I thought “Thhat was good. I wonder who played it”, it turned out to be Mikel Marino.
A dominant win, without Saka, Saliba, Havertz and Jesus and after losing Ødegaard early on. Who’d a thot it?
COYG
Cheer Matt. Enjoyable match and report, it is the first time I feel we really have a properly deep squad with quality at every level.
Note also that Raya did put fingertips to that chested attempt by Wood, probably decisive in preventing it from sneaking in just under the bar.
Let’s hope Martin can sort out his shoulder, but either way I am very optimistic for this season.
Ange’s attack focused kangaroos referenced by Bath in his preview were so well tied down, sport that they were virtually invisible and it was a day on which there was most certainly no chance of Ange’s boomerang ever coming back. It was amusing to see him standing bemused on the touchline, much more didger than he-do as Arsenal ran rings around the players in his new project, resembling distinctly tottenham in disguise.
An excellent all round performance by the home team. The eventual reintroduction of Saka, Havertz, Saliba, White and Jesus will make the matchday squad one of our strongest ever – although having said that, their deputies all performed splendidly yesterday. A great pity, I thought, that Gyok’s cannonball from the side of the box hit the woodwork rather than the back of the net. That would really have put the corks on Ange’s bush hat.
Thanks Matt – agents Edu and Postecoglou ? It beginning to look like it 🤣
I would give Gyökeres a bit more credit for his goal. He was, as you said, in the right place at the right time but that was a goal we didn’t score last season. That finisher in exactly that place is precisely what we have missed for too long. He also did some excellent work in the build up to his shot that cannoned off the post. And I’m using the word cannoned in exactly the same way that transfer windows “slam” shut. They don’t just close, they SLAM. And Gyökeres gives you that same impression. He doesn’t know the meaning of half measures, be it running, challenging or shooting. His shots don’t hit posts – they CANNON off them. Quite apt for a gunner 😉
It was great to see Bath today. Good to be back at TNHoF after too long away.
My first live experience of North London Forever – wow !
Three very good goals and clear signs in the second half of players beginning to get to know each other and develop a playing style that gets the ball forwards much quicker again. I can’t remember a single pass round the horseshoe of tedium in the second half.
Fingers crossed for Odegaard – but good to know we have proper back up this time around. Props to Nwaneri that the skipper’s absence wasn’t really noticed yesterday. Madueke was excellent and Cristhian Mosquera was indistinguishable from William Saliba – what a find he is.
Great report Matt, all the way from Japan. In the stadium it was a joy. Exciting, dominant, direct football. As Elizabeth Barrett Brownng said “how do I love thee? Let me count the ways.”
Martin Zubimendi. A Swiss watch of a footballer who ran midfield, scored a worldie and kept like a salmon to head in our third from a pin point cross by Tross.
Noni Madueke. A hugely exciting football who has immediately become a fan favourite. Remember this guy was taking Saka’s place in the team. He gave two Forest left backs a twisted bowel all afternoon and was a highly accomplished taker of left footed in swinging corners. Got himself a song, a revamp of Santi Cazorla’s.
Ebi Eze. Fabulous first time cross for Victor’s goal. Got more and more into the game second half. Really looking the part.
Victor Gyokeres. Scored a wonderful centre forward’s goal. Then a few minutes later looped round and crashed it against the bar. Bodied his defender several times. Just what we thought we’d bought. Three goals from four games.
Christhian Mosquera. Remember when Saliba was injured and we had to play Rob Holding there? Saliba trained yesterday and in those days would have been rushed back.. No need. Another accomplished performance from our tall lad from Spain (one of four Spaniards in the side. Spain is the New France). Oh and how much did he cost from Valencia (where he made 82 appearances)? £13m. That my friends is grand larceny. Oh and he’s 21.
The sheer depth of that bench. Ethan Nwaneri came on after 20 minutes and looked terrific playing at 10.
12.30 kick offs can be a bit quiet. Well there was plenty of noise yesterday. And a lot of smiles walking back down Holloway Road.
Oh and about Noni
🤣👍🏻
Thanks for your excellent report, Matt. “Martin bravely shouldered on”: I saw what you did there but hope he’s going to recover quickly.
Re: c100 @7. Most likely the last option listed. 😂
All our shiny new signings looked the bees knees. It could be a fun season ahead.
Nice one Matt. It would be nice to concentrate on our own performances and results and not worry about other teams for a change. Here’s hoping.
Exactly, SP!
Thanks Gents for the kind words.
I would agree SP @12 but anyway I am thinking come on Burnley I must admit.
I certainly do agree about Mosquera and grand larceny at the price but James did make a good point too on his after match video report on Arseblog that we have been here before with young centre backs and perhaps it is best to wait a bit longer.
@9 thanks Bt8, I must be honest and admit I laughed at my own joke when I thought of it, which is kind of sad
Very enjoyable report Matt, thankyou . And belated many happy returns !
I missed this game as I had promised Mrs TTG ( who has been very poorly ) to take her to a craft fair . I watched the game on delay
My reaction can best be summed up by a Spud fan of my acquaintance who had watched the game. His comment was ‘ I can’t believe how strong your squad is . It’s unbelievable.’
My thoughts exactly . Zubimendi impressed enormously against Leeds and was even better against Forest . Mosquera looks immense . I’ve liked Madueke since I saw him playing against us for PSV and as C100 says Gyokeres does exactly what it says on the
tin . Eze will adapt superbly to this team and I think Odegaard is not a guaranteed starter any more . Bloody Berta.
The Scousers get a last minute penalty . What a surprise . Burnley took them all the way and Liverpool were very average . Jamie Carragher can shut his moosh .
Matt @15 – kind of sad ? I do it all the time. Someone has to !
https://gunnerstown.com/arsenal/2025/09/14/the-day-he-sat-the-benchpositives-needs-hopes-ars-3-0-nfo/
Thanks Matt. That’s the match I saw and enjoyed. We did look rather good in segments of that game and even when we dropped our control we didn’t give Forest any real opportunities to get back into the game or even the hope of doing so. Once our players get to know each other properly we should be really scary.
Berta has pulled the stops out this summer!
The words of caution about young centre backs are wise but I really do believe that Mosquera is different gravy from the likes of Senderos, Djourou and Holding. I do believe that Andrea Berta has cloned Saliba there.
Zubimendi really is the mutts. We have a worldie there.
Madueke is the most exciting and energising winger I’ve seen in ages and that includes our boys Gabby and Bukayo. Whether his end product will match the latter’s remains to be seen but he’s a great addition to our arsenal. Love the questionnaire @7, C100.
Gyökeres is something we’ve not had for a very long time. A bull in a china shop. He will rough some CBs up and score plenty goals.
Eze looks the business in red and white and will live the dream.
Can’t wait to see Hincapié! I think he will be the mirror image of Timber.
We just need to cut in on the Scousers’ and Lady Luck. Surely she’s got to be fed up of that lot after over a year in that clinch?
Bath@19: Agree with you 100% about Mosquera. He’s got that composure that Saliba and all elite CBs have. Technically, he is on a different level to the likes of Senderos, Djourou and Holding, and, as Scruz noted in the previous drinks, Mosquera can pass.
Thanks Matt for a very accurate and amusing report. We looked confident right from the start and it was especially rewarding to see all the newbies settling into their roles so well.
The bench was stacked with top level players which enabled the gaffer to make changes at will with no concerns that the quality would drop.
Berta and his cohorts have done an excellent job at bringing in such high level players who appear well suited non negotiables demanded by MA8. This season is looking very promising.
The GHF Predictathon leaderboard for Matchweek 4 has been posted. We have a new leader, some spectacular improvements in scores on multiple continents and two escapees from the relegation zone. All the thrills, spills and fun of the fair — and you know where to find them…
Thanks Ned, it’s been a highly successful birthday weekend 😂
Thanks TTG, I hope Mrs TTG is feeling better and could enjoy the craft fair.
https://gunnerstown.com/arsenal/2025/09/14/the-day-he-sat-the-benchpositives-needs-hopes-ars-3-0-nfo/
Thanks C100, SP
Mike seems very cheerful and why not.
Thanks Ned – @23 🙏🏻
Cheers Ned. Looks like everyone improved their score this week? To various degrees, they must have all known it was Matt’s Birthday (belated wishes, I remember thinking but forgetting to wish it in the preview drinks), but impressive all the same.
I am trying to find something to disagree with in Mike McDonald’s article. Anything. I can’t. This is not familiar territory for me.
COYG
>>>>>>>