Gabriel Martinelli’s early header, a brace from substitute Reiss Nelson and fine finishes from Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard saw Arsenal blast their way past Nottingham Forest and back to the summit of the Premier League.
At the end of an October that has involved nine fixtures – the busiest monthly schedule since the early 1980s – the Gunners will be pleased that seven wins and a draw have been accompanied by just one defeat; Thursday’s aberration at PSV Eindhoven.
While the timetable doesn’t ease up just yet, Arteta is very pleased with the mettle shown by his squad so far.
Asked what he’s learnt this month, he told his post-game press conference: “How lucky I am to have them together with me and again especially when we lose, or draw, how united we are, and how we respond to that, and today I think it was a really good example.
“We know the schedule we facing now, we’re going to be facing in January, it’s really, really demanding so we need to face it and we want to do it in the best possible way.
He added: “Big teams have to respond as quick as possible and we did that after the disappointment of Thursday night, you don’t have time, you go here Friday evening.
“One half training session and be ready not only physically but mentally again to another demand against a team that beat Liverpool and the pressure is on, you lose the first place and you are there. And we need to get used to that.”
Arsenal’s home form has been particularly eye-catching this season. With the fans onboard and the atmosphere pumping, the Gunners have a 100% record at the Emirates in both the league and Europa League.
On the impact of the fans, Arteta continued: “Huge, I don’t know the percentage whether it’s 20, 30, or 90%.
“It transforms the team, the energy that they produce, the support they give the team, especially in difficult moments like we have some examples already throughout the season is phenomenal.
“The boys are really looking to come here and play and they are really enjoying it. And this is a huge advantage I think.”
In truth, this wasn’t an afternoon where the crowd needed to play the role of a twelfth man. While Forest did pretty well up to half time given they’d gone behind after just five minutes, they completely collapsed after the break. Criticised for not being ruthless enough in the last couple of weeks, the Gunners rediscovered a ruthless edge.
“It was great,” said Arteta. “We certainly have been creating the chances to score and we haven’t been hitting the target enough, we have discussed that the whole week and today the individual talent obviously made the difference they scored some fantastic goals and they shared the goals which I think is important as well.”
It has been amazing
Every step of the way! What a time to be a gunner again!
I was there, very happy stadium, Forest were nowhere near our quality! Best month for number of wins ever for Arsenal. Hopefully a good sign for November as that is traditionally a tough month for us.
Forest was no match for Reiss Nelson, who was pulling up trees!
Bravo *chef’s kiss*
Treiss Nelson!
Top class!
Thoughts on this Partey Chant ? https://twitter.com/DrPabloArsenal/status/1586750158351523840?s=20&t=qIZ2M0VTieXpr8lICJfHrA
And we’re doing all this without Zinchenko as well. Imagine when he’s back fit! Not to mention Smith Rowe although Martinelli is going to be difficult to dislodge right now.
Although this month looks good now in hindsight, but boy what a ride it’s been!
We have some super players.
But what about Benny Blanc? Awesome today.
And he probably destroyed some Norwegian interviewer afterwards, with just the one bead of perspiration visible on his delectable forehead.
I’m absolutely loving his post match interviews.
Like a 1964 John Lennon on The Beatles’ first tour of America, White’s ‘fuck-you’ coolness and wit are just what this club has needed in response to a twerpy media of anti Arsenal melts.
Benny Blanco from the Brighton!
Reiss Nelson!!! What a cameo!
When he played in Germany, do you think they called him “rice”?
I’d love that to be true!
Yep. Kudos to the manager, his back room team and the players themselves for doing, more or less, a sterling job in a ridiculously hectic schedule. If we can keep our heads and secure top spot in both leagues before the World Cup, then who can ask for more? If we are top on Boxing Day and Josh comes up with the necessary conkers to get in some quality additions in the January window, then a full scale tilt at the title might not be entirely out of the question. In the meantime, a cursory glance at the Premier League… Read more »
I think we’ll buy in January mate, we get the right players in with Smith rowe and zinchenko to come back we’ve got a chance.
Well said and it’s good to have you fully on board now
*pat
Last sentence matters.
Ode was amazing today. He was not only finding those incredible pases but constantly harrying their backline! Was brilliant to watch.
What a night for Nelson. Sublime
Having said that, I think key to Arsenal success is really Partey. When Partey crumble, the entire structure crumble. I hope management will prioritise helping Partey do his job. An experienced addition like Tieleman would be good. Currently we don’t have a capable enough replacement for Partey should he get injured.
To be honest Forest’s defense fell asleep after the third goal. The squad needs another No. 9 and a back up to Thomas Partey. Eddie and Sambi need to convince me that they are the future of the squad, Fabio needs to step up, Tierney has not been his best this season. Martin, Ben and Thomas were outstanding. I hope Reiss can stay in the squad and prove himself against Chelsea that will be a real test. We can win a trophy this season either the Europa League if possible or a league cup. Winning away at Man City would… Read more »