‘Totally fake news’ – Arteta ‘really upset’ over reports he will leave Arsenal
Nottingham Forest host Arsenal in the Premier League tonight as the Gunners look to close the gap to the Premier League summit. As speculation swirls around Mikel Arteta’s future, with the Arsenal manager hitting out at “fake news” after being linked with a summer move to Barcelona, the Spaniard’s side can close the gap to leaders Liverpool to just two points – but they must first halt a three-game losing streak at the City Ground.
Forest have beaten Arsenal at home in each of their last three meetings, including the win that sealed Manchester City’s title at the end of last season and a defeat in the third round of the FA Cup the year before. Now managed by former Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo, the hosts sit just four points and two places above the relegation zone following a contentious 3-2 defeat at Brentford earlier this month.
Arsenal, meanwhile, bounced back from a run of poor form with a 5-0 victory over Crystal Palace at the Emirates and will want to put pressure on Jurgen Klopp’s Reds ahead of hosting the league leaders on Sunday. Follow live updates from Nottingham Forest vs Arsenal in tonight’s live blog, below.
Nottingham Forest 0-2 Arsenal
79 mins: Looking ahead to Sunday already? Gabriel Jesus is brought off with 10 minutes or so to go and he is replaced by Eddie Nketiah.
Leandro Trossard is on too after replacing Martinelli and whistles a shot just past the post.
Jamie Braidwood30 January 2024 21:08
Nottingham Forest 0-2 Arsenal
76 mins: Arsenal have really turned it on after the break and that second goal is a sucker-punch for Forest.
Arteta knew it with his celebration.
Jamie Braidwood30 January 2024 21:04
GOAL! Nottingham Forest 0-2 Arsenal (SAKA 72’)
STUNNING ARSENAL GOAL ON THE BREAK!
The Gunners turn defence into attack after clearing the corner – Montiel is the last one back and is dispossessed cheaply. From there, Arsenal are lethal. Odegaard finds Jesus, whose pass to Saka is perfectly timed. Saka drills in the finish on his right foot.
And that should be three points.
(Action Images via Reuters)
Jamie Braidwood30 January 2024 21:00
Nottingham Forest 0-1 Arsenal
70 mins: Emile Smith Rowe is replaced by Kai Havertz with Arsenal defending a corner. White heads clear.
Jamie Braidwood30 January 2024 21:00
GOAL! Nottingham Forest 0-1 Arsenal (JESUS 65’)
BREAKTHROUGH! How has Jesus squeezed this in?? It’s a stunning finish from the Brazilian but Matt Turner shakes his head after letting one slip in between his legs. It’s magic from Jesus, though, taking a throw-in on the run and turning to get to the byline. But the goalkeeper needed to do better and has had a shocker against his former team.
(Action Images via Reuters)
Jamie Braidwood30 January 2024 20:54
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
61 mins: Callum Hudson-Odoi is getting ready to come on for Forest – the former Chelsea winger should give the hosts more threat as the game starts to open up.
Arsenal are improving but they need more.
Jamie Braidwood30 January 2024 20:51
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
56 mins: OFF THE POST! So much better from Arsenal! This is a lovely move, as Saka tees up Odegaard and the captain slips in Jesus. The striker slams his shot towards the near post but smashes the woodwork!
(Action Images via Reuters)
Jamie Braidwood30 January 2024 20:46
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
52 mins: SAVE! Slowly enough, this game is coming to life. Saka hacks a shot on target which took a deflection off Toffolo – and Turner is required to stick out his arm and make the stop.
Jamie Braidwood30 January 2024 20:42
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
50 mins: Chance for Forest on the break! But Gibbs-White couldn’t find the pass to Awoniyi when Forest had the 2-on-1! Saliba was there to cut it out.
Jamie Braidwood30 January 2024 20:39
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Arsenal
48 mins: Space opens up for Martinelli on the left and he can run into the Forest box for what feels like the first time. He tries too much in beating Omobamidele and Murillo clears.
Jamie Braidwood30 January 2024 20:38
