Arsenal win at Nottingham Forest to close gap on English Premier League leaders
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Arsenal's Bukayo Saka shoots and scores his team's second goal in the 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest.
PHOTO: AFP
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LONDON – Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said his side’s English Premier League title challenge was building momentum after the Gunners beat Nottingham Forest 2-1 on Jan 30 to move up to second in the table.
Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka were on target at the City Ground as Arteta’s men moved to within two points of Liverpool, whom they face at the Emirates Stadium on Feb 4. However, the Reds can stretch their advantage at the top once more when they host Chelsea on Jan 31 – that match kicked off after press time.
Arsenal had not won away since early December as their push for a first title in 20 years stumbled over the festive season. But they have won both their games since returning refreshed from a two-week winter break.
“We have to generate some momentum,” said Arteta.
“Now go, go, go. We have to prepare well as it is going to be a big game (against Liverpool). We have a beautiful game ahead of us and we have to make sure we have everybody ready for that.”
Forest had won all of the previous three meetings between the sides at the City Ground, including the defeat that mathematically ended Arsenal’s title challenge last season.
But Nuno Espirito Santo opted to just try and contain Arsenal, and Forest’s game plan was undone once Jesus broke the deadlock 25 minutes from time.
“Against this team at home, I have seen a lot of teams that have suffered. I am pleased with the performance and winning the game,” added Arteta.
“We had to be really patient but have the intention to hurt them all the time, and we did that.”
The lack of a clinical striker has been pinpointed as the weakness in the Gunners’ bid to beat Liverpool and Manchester City to the title. For long spells, it appeared that Arsenal could again rue the absence of a natural poacher as they struggled to make 80 per cent possession count before half-time.
But they finally got their reward as Forest switched off from Oleksandr Zinchenko’s throw-in.
Jesus burrowed his way down the byeline and scored, but his effort should have been stopped at the near post by Forest goalkeeper Matt Turner.
Arsenal’s Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus scores his team’s first goal.
PHOTO: AFP
Forest were architects of their own downfall again seven minutes later as Gonzalo Montiel’s stray pass straight into the path of Martin Odegaard sprang Arsenal on the break.
The Arsenal captain picked out Jesus, who crossed for Saka to fire in his 10th goal of the season.
Arteta’s side were cruising to victory as Forest had barely offered a threat all game until Taiwo Awoniyi outmuscled William Saliba and fired home from close range in the 89th minute.
Defeat leaves Forest perilously placed just two points above the relegation zone and with the threat of a points penalty hanging over the club after admitting to breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules last season.
“I am disappointed with the way we conceded both goals and we should avoid them,” said Forest boss Nuno.
“They are not individual errors, they are team errors. We are responsible. These are things we should avoid.” AFP
