Arsenal showed the resilience of champions on Sunday, edging Nottingham Forest 1-0 at the City Ground to make it three wins in a week across all competitions.
Winning ugly
The City Ground is a difficult place to go, and Forest made this a scrappy, physical contest. Mikel Arteta’s side did not hit their best rhythm, but they defended their box with authority and took the chance that mattered. These are the kinds of afternoons that decide title races.
The comeback against Leeds
The week began with a test of nerve at the Emirates on 10 October. Leeds United went ahead through Justin on 55 minutes, and for a while the home crowd grew anxious. Arsenal responded with two goals in eight minutes: Riccardo Calafiori equalised on 62 minutes and summer signing Bruno Guimaraes struck the winner on 70.
Guimaraes, who arrived from Newcastle during the summer window, has quickly settled into the midfield and is already delivering in big moments.
European business as usual
In between, Arsenal were in command in the Champions League, beating Lille 3-0 at home on Matchday 2. It was a professional performance that kept their European campaign firmly on track.
Arsenal’s week
- Arsenal 2-1 Leeds (Calafiori 62, Guimaraes 70)
- Arsenal 3-0 Lille (Champions League)
- Nottingham Forest 0-1 Arsenal
- Next: Arsenal v Everton, Saturday 24 October, 5:00pm EAT
The attacking debate
For all their consistency, some observers have criticised Arsenal for being overly cautious, and the search for another top attacker is expected to be on the agenda when the January window opens. On this evidence, though, the defending champions are comfortable winning games by fine margins.
Everton up next
Arsenal return to the Emirates on Saturday, 24 October, to face Everton. With Manchester City yet to drop a point, there is no margin for error at the top. Arteta will want a performance as well as a result.