Mikel Arteta expressed his satisfaction with Arsenal’s performance against Nottingham Forest, especially after facing a 1-0 defeat at the City Ground in the Premier League last season.
The victory comes as a redemption of sorts for Arsenal, as they saw their title hopes diminish towards the end of the previous campaign after leading the race for 248 days. Despite setbacks in the last matches of the league, Arteta’s side managed to secure a win this time against Nottingham Forest.
Arteta emphasized the team’s commitment to improvement, stating, “I love it! I love it because they demand more from each other. They are not happy the way they conceded that [goal] and they are just trying to resolve it.” The manager appreciated the heated discussions among players, seeing it as a sign that the team aspires for more significant results and clean sheets.
In the recent match, Arsenal showcased dominance, maintaining 74% possession and attempting 19 shots compared to the opposition’s nine.
Although the first half remained goalless, Gabriel Jesus broke the deadlock in the 65th minute with a low strike that found the net through Matt Turner’s near post. He further contributed by assisting Bukayo Saka for Arsenal’s second goal on the break, securing a comprehensive victory.
With this win, Arsenal currently holds the second position in the Premier League standings, trailing only two points behind Liverpool, who is yet to play their midweek clash. The upcoming crucial fixture for Arteta’s side is a home match against Liverpool on Sunday, February 4.
Reflecting on the victory, Arteta expressed his contentment, highlighting the team’s dedication and response to setbacks. This win not only serves as a redemption from the previous defeat against Nottingham Forest but also solidifies Arsenal’s position in the title race.
Nottingham Forest, on the other hand, finds themselves two points ahead of Everton, who occupies the 18th position in the league. Looking ahead, Forest’s next challenge is an away trip to the Vitality Stadium to face Bournemouth on Sunday, February 4.
The victory against Nottingham Forest represents a positive turn for Arsenal as they navigate the complexities of the Premier League, and Arteta’s satisfaction with the team’s performance sets the tone for their upcoming crucial encounters in the title race.
