Forget Madueke and Gyokeres, another Arsenal duo will be key to Nottingham Forest victory

Arsenal recognizes the critical need to secure three points in their Premier League return following the international break, especially after Mikel Arteta faced criticism for a conservative approach in the 1-0 loss to Liverpool. The upcoming match against Nottingham Forest gains additional intrigue due to the recent appointment of former Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou, adding narrative weight to the contest.

Midfielders Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice are highlighted as pivotal to breaking down Forest's stern defense, with both coming off strong international performances. Zubimendi earned praise from Spanish media for his contributions in Spain's win, while Rice was commended by Micah Richards for his set-piece assists during England's victory. Their roles will be dual: providing defensive stability against counter-attacks and creating offensive opportunities through intricate passes and late runs into the box.

Pundit Adrian Clarke emphasized the importance of Rice and Zubimendi staying compact in midfield to disrupt Forest's playmakers, specifically mentioning the need to screen passes to players like Gibbs-White and Chris Wood. Arsenal's success may hinge on patience and relying on these two to deliver decisive moments, as dropping points could widen an early gap in the title race to five or six points behind Liverpool.

A victory is framed as essential not only for momentum but also to apply pressure on Liverpool, who play later. Failure to win at home could exacerbate the team's challenges, making this match a must-win scenario for Arteta's side at this stage of the season.