Back in May, Forest was rejoicing as Taiwo Awoniyi’s goal ended Arsenal’s suffering and made Manchester City champions despite a late collapse.
Although Arsenal’s hopes of winning the title were not at stake here on a chilly night by the Trent, losing was unimaginable, especially since Premier League leaders Liverpool would be visiting Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
And for this reason, as the final whistle blew in a game, manager Mikel Arte
Not because Forest offered Arsenal any real concern until those last few minutes, but rather because for the first forty-five minutes the Gunners looked like they were sleepwalking into the kind of outcome that could really harm their season, it was not a stress-free night or performance.
In a sluggish, uninspired first half, Arsenal was overwhelmed by Forest’s tactic of defending in defensive blocks while waiting to attack them on the break.
Not enough opportunities, too many sluggish attacks, and too many passes. While Arsenal might legitimately argue that their actions were composed and mature, much more was clearly required.
